$7,300,000 Settlement for Loss of Limb After Serious Accident

A worker was performing steel demolition at a construction site in Brooklyn, New York. He was in the process of removing a 10,000 pound steel beam when the column supporting the beam suddenly collapsed. He fell to the ground, with the beam landing on top of him. Tragically, he suffered multiple injuries and required amputation of his right arm as a result of the accident. Represented by Partners Jeffrey Block and S. Joseph Donahue, he received a $7.3 million settlement.

Insurance Coverage Was Limited To $7 Million

Facts and Allegations
A 56-year-old construction worker was injured while performing steel demolition at a construction site in Brooklyn. At the time of the accident, he was removing a 10,000 pound steel beam located 30 feet high when the column supporting the beam collapsed, causing him to fall to the ground, with the steel beam landing on top of the right side of his body.

Block O’Toole & Murphy attorneys successfully argued that the owner and general contractor violated Labor 240(1) and 241(6) in failing to provide the client with the proper equipment to perform the work, including shoring, bracing and a crane. The matter was scheduled for a damages-only trial.

Injuries/Damages
As a result of the accident, our client suffered multiple fractures to his face, right arm and right leg. He required extensive hospitalization during which time he underwent multiple surgical procedures, including the amputation of his right arm, below the elbow, as well as surgery to repair multiple his facial fractures and the placement of a metal rod in his right femur (leg) bone. Despite the success of the surgeries, the client suffered permanent ongoing pain that will require lifelong medical care.

Settlement Amount
Shortly before trial, partners Block and Donahue settled the matter at a mediation, where they convinced the Defendants insurers to pay their entire policies of available insurance, totaling $7,000,000. They were also able to secure an additional $300,000 contribution from a separate entity.

Attorneys
The matter was handled by Partners Jeffrey A. Block and S. Joseph Donahue.

Fighting for the Rights of Injury Victims

The attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy are here to fight aggressively for victims harmed by another party’s negligence. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation that such accidents can cause, which is why we will not rest until justice is done. Our clients know that we will fight for every dollar they are entitled to legally. Select results for clients who suffered loss of limb after a traumatic accident include:

• $14,000,000 jury verdict for a car accident victim who required multiple surgeries, including a below-the-knee amputation after he was struck by a truck making a left turn
• $9,950,000 settlement for a social worker who was suddenly hit from behind by a van while she was loading groceries into her car. She sustained an above-the-knee amputation.

Learn more about our firm by visiting the About Us page. To schedule a free legal consultation with one of our attorneys, please call 212-736-5300 or fill out our Contact Us form. We serve New York and New Jersey.