$8.5 Million Settlement for Worker Killed in Dumb Truck Accident
The Incident
Two years after a tragic workplace accident, the family of a longtime water services employee has reached an $8.5 million settlement with the construction company involved.
The 61-year-old worker was struck and killed by a dump truck while on the job at a construction site in downtown St. Pau, Minnesotal. The accident occurred shortly after he had retired from a regional water service, where he had worked for over four decades. Initially, authorities found no evidence of criminal negligence, but his family remained convinced that the incident was more than just an unfortunate mishap.
Evidence Uncovered
Surveillance footage later confirmed that the worker was fully aware of his surroundings and had noticed the truck idling nearby, checking over his shoulder multiple times before the fatal collision. Further investigations uncovered troubling details: the driver’s drug test showed the presence of cocaine and THC, and the truck itself was in poor condition, unlikely to pass a proper maintenance inspection. Additionally, evidence, including the driver’s drug test and cell phone, was mishandled, leading to court sanctions.
The $8.5 Million Settlement and Future Safety Measures
The construction company agreed to an $8.5 million settlement with the family and committed to improving safety protocols. As part of the agreement, the company will hire a new safety coordinator and require all new drivers to review footage of the incident as a training measure. The worker’s family hopes these changes will help prevent similar tragedies and improve workplace safety standards for those still working in the field.
Seeking Legal Help for Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents involving large vehicles can be particularly devastating. Victims of such accidents should seek legal advice to secure the compensation they deserve. For those involved in trucking accidents, TruckingAccident.com offers a free attorney matching service to help connect injured parties with experienced attorneys who specialize in trucking and traffic accident settlements.
