$11.98 Million Dollars Awarded by Jury after Landscaper Suffers Leg Amputation Caused by Motorist Hitting Sign in Roadway
A New York jury awarded $11.98 million dollars to a landscaper who had parked his truck in a cross hatched area in the middle of a two lane roadway and thereafter placed a “men working” sign on the back of the trailer. A passing motorist hit the sign which then struck the landscaper and pinned him to his truck, requiring an above the knee amputation of his left leg, brain damage, and disfiguring injuries to his right leg.
He underwent five surgeries and incurred approximately $278,000.00 in medical expenses. The victim then filed a suit against the driver who struck the sign alleging that she had been speeding, failed to keep a proper lookout, and failed to avoid an accident.
Under the laws of the state where the victim was working, he was barred from suing his employer under state workers’ compensation laws, but he did assert that his employer failed to provide a safe work environment and negligently instructed its workers to park illegally and use the sign that did not conform to standards set forth in the manual and uniform traffic control devices. The striking driver impeded the employer based upon these assertions.
As this incident demonstrates, auto accidents throughout the country can occur on-the-job and in a matter of seconds. Due to the complex nature of a motor vehicle crash taking place while an individual is working, contacting a knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Pennsylvania is essential in ensuring that every possible legal avenue is explored to win full and just compensation.
