Road workers put their lives and physical well-being at risk every time they report for duty. Fortunately, the majority of these workers go home every evening with only fatigue to complain about. However, there are occasions when the worst happens, and road workers suffer severe injuries or even death.
One Omaha road worker is now facing critical injuries after an accident near 120th and Blondo Streets. Below are the facts of this tragic workplace accident according to the Omaha World-Herald.
- The 24-year-old male worker was filling in potholes when the accident occurred
- A motorist crashed into one of the work vehicles used by the road crew
- This collision caused the work vehicle to surge forward into the working area
- The work vehicle then struck two workers, resulting in injuries
- One of these workers suffered a relatively minor leg injury
- A third worker operating a skid loader complained of possible back injuries
- These two workers did not require hospitalization
- The 24-year-old suffered a critical injury when he fell and hit his head on a skid loader bucket
- He is receiving treatment at Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy
- The motorist that caused the accident was not injured
Whenever road work begins, workers take steps to warn motorists with signs and other conspicuous markers that are very easy to recognize. Drivers have a duty to slow down, stop or proceed with caution when this work is underway. Failing to do so is typically a clear sign of negligence, against which injured workers can take action to supplement their workers’ compensation benefits.
It is wise to speak with an injury attorney after a workplace accident leaves you or a loved one with critical injuries. Doing so may provide you with enough compensation to handle the monumental expenses associated with recovering from serious injuries.