An uncommon personal injury

According to news reports, Timothy Hoffman worked construction for C&D Dock Works in 2003. While waiting for a sea wall to harden, Hoffman, his co-workers and boss apparently dared him to dive into a shallow river. Although accounts differed as to what really happened that day, Hoffman – only 20 years old at the time – dove approximately 10 feet into about one foot of water, landed on his head and broke his neck between his fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. The accident left him a quadriplegic.

He sued his employer for damages and a Brevard County jury awarded him over $76.6 million in damages. While a whopping $52.8 million of that amount constituted pain and suffering, the award also included $1.5 million for past medical expenses, $21.7 million for future medical expenses and $583,000 for loss of future earnings.

Although it is considered to be one of the largest personal injury verdicts in Brevard County, it is unknown whether or not Hoffman will receive anything as C&D Dock Works has filed for bankruptcy.

Construction accident law

Construction accident law can be very complex. General contractors or owners, such as in the case above, can be held liable for injuries sustained on the job when they place workers into unreasonably dangerous situations – even when those situations are “outside” of normal job duties.

Damages stemming from construction accidents can be substantial and possible recovery may also include rehabilitative expenses, compensation for permanent disability, compensation for the level of impairment of duties and responsibilities as a spouse or a parent, permanent suffering such as disfigurement and impairment of quality of enjoyment of life.

If you’ve been injured due to a construction accident, contact an experienced Florida personal injury attorney to discuss your situation and evaluate your options. Consultations with a lawyer are free, without obligation and are strictly confidential.