CONSTRUCTION WORKERS FALLS OFF ROOF OF PUBLIX BEING BUILT

Cannot Bring a Civil Lawsuit Against the Company that Made Him Fall

A construction worker was seriously injured recently when he fell 18 feet through a hole in the roof of the Publix Supermarket being built at 66th Street and 18th Avenue North in St. Petersburg, Florida, according to firefighters. The unidentified worker of Hawkins Construction was walking backward on top of the store about 11:42 a.m. when he fell through a shaft used to access the roof, said St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Lt. Joel Granata.

Clearly, someone was negligent for allowing a hole in the roof to be exposed without any protection around it. Sadly, the Florida Workers' Compensation Act prevent this worker from being any civil action against his employer OR any subcontractor who may have been negligent. This is called vertical and horizontal immunity. Although the injured worker is entitled to workers' compensation, as you have read in prior posts, the workers' compensation benefits provided under the Florida Workers' Compensation Act are quite limited.

If you or a loved one is injured in a Florida workers' comp claim, it is important that you talk with an attorney to understand your rights. Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes has been fighting for workers' comp benefits for his clients for years. The workers' compensation carrier has attorneys working for them--so should you! Click here to schedule a free case consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes.

For more articles that could save your life or the life of a loved one, read and post on Personal Injury Matthew Noyes' web blog, Noyes Legal News--Helpful Information About Florida Car Accidents and Workers' Compensation Claims.