Earlier this month, a construction worker at Argyle High School died after being hit by an 18-wheeler. According to officials, the incident occurred when an 18-wheeler hit the construction worker at the site of the new Argyle Independent School District athletics practice facility. The worker had been part of a crew that was moving a semi-tractor-trailer. The worker had been helping to guide the trailer on the passenger side. Officials do not know why, but the worker got too close to the back rear wheels and got caught underneath.
Second Deadly Accident In Less Than Week
This is the second deadly accident to occur at the Argyle High School construction site in less than a week. The preceding week, another construction worker died after framework on one of the school’s new buildings collapsed on the worker. Three other construction workers also suffered injuries during the collapse.
The workers had been building an outdoor football practice facility at Argyle High School. According to witnesses, the “the structure started to wave, like the walls started moving. Soon enough, it all collapsed. All sides caved in.” The worker who died was tragically crushed in the structure. The three other workers suffered minor injuries. Officials took two workers to the hospital for treatment and treated another worker on the scene.
Coppell-based general contractor Northstar Builders was the general contractor on the site. According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the worker who died had been employed with Warnick Metal Building Erectors of Haltom City. News 8 learned that the subcontractor who employed the deceased worker, Warnick Metal Building Erectors, had previously been involved in a construction accident lawsuit.
In 2007, a lawsuit was filed against Warnick in connection with “concrete walls [that] collapsed during a storm.” Court documents accused the subcontractor of failing to properly weld materials and failing to provide services in a good and workmanlike manner. Ultimately, however, the court dismissed the case. OSHA also cited the subcontractor in connection with serious violations relating to failing to protect a worker if he or she falls. The subcontractor received and paid a $4,200.
Following the most recent accident, the Argyle Independent School District called an emergency meeting to discuss the two deadly accidents, which occurred within the span of a week. OSHA officials have been investigating both accidents.
Contact Zehl & Associates’ Texas Construction Accident Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury in a work-related accident at a construction site, Zehl & Associates’ experienced Texas construction accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and recourse. Our Texas construction accident attorneys have extensive experience helping victims obtain compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and loss of wages and of earning capacity.
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