Construction zone workers on Colorado highways will always be vulnerable. Not only does the traffic that passes through pose a risk but also the construction vehicles on site. A member of a construction crew on Highway 149 was airlifted to a hospital in Durango for medical treatment after a recent workplace accident.
According to a Colorado State Patrol report, the incident occurred when two construction workers were walking along the shoulder of the highway. At that time, another worker in a construction truck backed up and struck one of the two pedestrian workers. Somehow, both the worker and the driver failed to see each other.
Reportedly, the truck was traveling at a low speed when he struck the worker. However, the victim became pinned under the vehicle, and he was dragged along for a short distance when the driver moved the truck. The severity of his injuries was not reported. It was also not made clear whether the vehicle operator and the injured worker were co-workers and employed by the same company.
Construction workers in Colorado who suffer workplace injuries are typically entitled to claim workers’ compensation benefits. However, if they are injured by negligent third parties who are not linked to the same employer, they might have grounds to pursue more compensation than only lost wages and the expenses related to medical treatment. This can be done by filing a personal injury lawsuit in a civil court, and although it is a complicated legal process, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can provide the necessary support and guidance.
