Construction Accident Leads to $15 Million Settlement

Workers injured in a construction accident in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens have settled with project contractors for more than $15 million. The accident occurred when workers were pouring concrete for an elevated canopy walkway through the treetops when it collapsed, dropping workers four stories to the ground. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of the family of one worker who died in the collapse and fifteen who were injured in the accident, including some with spine and brain injuries.

The accident occurred in December, 2008, when workers were pouring concrete on an elevated platform. The temporary shoring columns reportedly couldn’t support the weight of the concrete and collapsed, causing workers to fall up to 40 feet. Construction worker 56-year-old Angel Chupin fell to his death along with eighteen others. The Canopy Walk in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, which is at the edge of Piedmont Park in Midtown, was opened in 2010. The Botanical Gardens released a statement saying that "It was a very tragic event for the garden, for all the families involved and for all the men who were injured. We are glad it is close to being all behind us."

Sadly, construction accidents are not entirely uncommon. In some cases, the fault for these accidents resides with the construction company, site owner or contractor, allowing for potentially catastrophic consequences coming from safety regulation violations, negligence, defective materials, a lack of safety equipment, badly maintained equipment, lack of quality supervision, improper signage, and a lack of safety training. Due to the use of hazardous materials, heavy machinery, and the nature of the industry, construction sites are inherently dangerous for both workers and bystanders. These accidents can often be catastrophic and costly. If the accident is not fatal, workers’ compensation benefits are sometimes not enough to sufficiently compensate the worker for his or her injuries, so other means must be utilized.

If an individual is injured in a construction accident, they may be eligible to receive compensation for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job or as a bystander, contact a knowledgeable Atlanta construction accident attorney to pursue legal recourse and ensure that you get the results you deserve.