Bodily Injury Blog » Work Injury Issues

Jury Awards $11.7 Million to Hotel Worker

Edward Bills — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:50:03 +0000

A California jury has awarded an Oakland man more than $11.7 million in a lawsuit filed by a man who suffered injuries in 2007 while working at the Extended Stay hotel in San Rafael, Calif. The plaintiff had complained about the dark and litter-strewn area and hit his head multiple times on low-hanging crossbeams while working in the hotel, the lawsuit stated. He suffered herniated discs which caused near-paralysis corrected by surgery.

Railroad Worker Awarded $3.7 Mill. In Lawsuit

Edward Bills — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:46:17 +0000

A Wyoming jury has awarded $3.7 million to a local man who developed lung cancer after 37 years of working for BNSF Railway. The plaintiff claimed in his lawsuit that years of breathing in diesel fumes, silicone dust and asbestos while at work caused his cancer. His condition is fatal. The jury found BNSF was “negligent and violated federal regulations regarding the maintenance and operations of locomotives.”

BP Pays $100 Million To Contract Workers

Edward Bills — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:30:27 +0000

Contract workers at British Petroleum�s Texas City oil refinery were awarded $100 million by a federal jury Friday in a lawsuit alleging the workers were exposed to toxic substances in April 2007. According to the lawsuit, the 10 plaintiffs were exposed to carbon disulfide, a harmful compound that allegedly gave them flu-like symptoms, while working two of the plant�s refining units. The Texas City refinery has been under intense scrutiny for lack of safety since a 2005 explosion that killed 15 and injured hundreds

Md. Police Officer Files Workers’ Comp. Lawsuit

Edward Bills — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:59:09 +0000

A former Montgomery County, Md., police officer has filed a workers’ compensation lawsuit against the county, claiming he developed heart problems in 2005 while on the job. According to the lawsuit, Steven Hood was treated for hypertension in 2005. According to the Washington Examiner, Maryland law presumes a work-related cause for heart disease among public safety officials and that they are therefore eligible for workers’ compensation.

Jury Finds Company Liable for Worker’s Lung Disease

Edward Bills — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:00:50 +0000

A jury has ordered Mississippi Valley Silica Co. to pay $7.6 million to former sandblaster who developed an incurable lung disease. According to the lawsuit, the company knew that the use of its sand in abrasive blasting could cause silicosis. The company is expected to appeal the verdict.

Injured Worker Can Seek Higher Damages, Judge Rules

Edward Bills — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:06:21 +0000

A Tennessee judge has ruled that a GM employee may be able to recover more damages in a workers� compensation case because of the automaker�s restructuring since bankruptcy. At issue is a state law that caps damages in workers� compensation cases. The court held that because GM is essentially a new company, the damage cap can be waived.

Widow Files Lawsuit in Death of Sewer Worker

Edward Bills — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:40:34 +0000

The wife of a sewer worker who died after being overcome by noxious gases has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the town of Bulls Gap, Tenn. According to the lawsuit, the town failed to treat its sewage with a chemical to reduce dangerous concentrations of hydrogen sulfide. The lawsuit seeks $3 million in compensatory damages, punitive damages and a jury trial

Lawsuit Alleges Flight Attendant Exposure to Fumes

Edward Bills — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:50:21 +0000

A former flight attendant has filed a lawsuit against Boeing after being allegedly exposed to hazardous fumes while working aboard the aircraft. The plaintiff claims that the manufacturer was aware that the air intake design could allow hazardous fumes to be transferred from the engine to the passenger cabin. According to the plaintiff, the sudden exposure to the fumes caused partial blindness, migraine headaches, and damage to her nervous system.

Supreme Court OKs Punitive Damages in Tugboat Case

Edward Bills — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:53:40 +0000

A tugboat crew member can pursue a punitive damages claim against his employer for injuries suffered on the job, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday. In a 5-4 decision, the court found that there was no legal impediment to punitive damages in the case. The lawsuit stemmed from Atlantic Sounding Co.’s refusal to pay for the worker’s medical care and time off. The case is Atlantic Sounding Co. v. Townsend.

Worker Settles Suit Over Ferry Accident

Edward Bills — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:57:52 +0000

A general contractor has agreed to pay $1 million to settle a lawsuit filed by an electrician who fell through a hole in a fueling pier at the St. George Ferry Terminal in 2006. According to the lawsuit, Russell Menicucci suffered herniated discs in his neck and back when he stepped through a large hole in the pier that was supposed to be covered by concrete. The settlement is to be paid by the contractor’s insurance carrier.