Milwaukee, WI — Two workers were injured while working 30 feet below ground in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. The accident took place near the intersection of E. Michigan and N. Cass streets.
Two workers were seriously hurt when a cement hopper pushed them against a wall. The machinery had apparently malfunctioned. The two workers were rescued by the local fire department Heavy Urban Rescue Team, which handles emergencies were there people are trapped in places not accessible by stairs or an elevator.
The workers have not been named. They were both taken to a local hospital. Officials have said they’re expected to survive, although their exact injuries have not been elaborated on.
Scene of the Accident
Commentary
Work accidents are typically handled through an employer’s workers’ comp policy. Workers’ comp, as many know, is a benefits system which provides coverage for things like medical costs and lost wages. The “agreement” between employers and employees forbids an employee from filing suit against an employer in exchange for workers’ comp coverage. However, an employee can still file suit against a third party, should one be involved. Here, it seems the two workers were injured because of a defective piece of equipment. If that turns out to be the case, then they would be able to file suit against the manufacturer, in addition to receiving workers’ comp benefits. In an accident like this, one does not negate the other.
— Grossman Law Offices
