A roof panel fell from the top of the Diplomat Resort and Spa Hollywood on the afternoon of November 17, landing in the hotel’s driveway. The debris from the panel was carried by a strong gust of wind and hit four people on its way down. Many other pieces of debris reportedly fell at the same time after a safety net blew into a pile of materials. Crews spent hours removing debris from the scene.
In addition to damaging a taxi and other vehicles, the falling panel injured a contractor, a hotel employee and two drivers. Two of the victims were treated by emergency personnel at the scene. Two other victims were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The wooden panel was part of a construction project involving the resort’s facade. OSHA has decided not to investigate because the injuries were relatively minor, but the hotel has launched its own investigation into the incident.
Construction sites can be dangerous for workers and passersby
Workers in the construction and demolition industries have some of the most dangerous jobs in Florida. They face the prospect of injury from falls, falling objects and even explosions. These workers are generally limited to workers’ compensation benefits unless their injury was caused by someone other than their employer. When a property owner or another contractor is negligent, leading to a worker’s injury, it may be possible to hold them liable in a third-party personal injury claim.
Other people who are injured when they are on or near a construction site may also have a valid personal injury claim under Florida law. If you have been hurt on or near a construction site, speak to the Bradenton personal injury attorneys at the firm of Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh to learn your rights.