A tragic accident involving two construction workers on the Ben Franklin Bridge linking Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey occurred last October 14. The two workers were walking on a track on the bridge when a PATCO train struck and killed them. As of this writing, it has been revealed that the track on which the victims were walking was supposed to have been shut down.
According to National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Jennifer Gabis, “preliminary information indicates that at the time of the accident, Track 2 had not been taken out of service when the contractors entered the bridge in a close clearance area.”
By the time this blog is published, new details may have come to light, but as of now, it is unclear what the source of the confusion may have been. What is clear is this is a tragedy which possibly could have been avoided.
It has been thoroughly-documented that construction work is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. Construction workers may be injured due to a variety of factors and circumstances. They include (but aren’t limited to) the following:
As this accident indicates, depending on where construction workers are operating, they may also run the risk of being harmed or losing their lives in accidents involving trains.
This accident also serves as a reminder that trains and other forms of public transportation in general are not always as safe and reliable as we’d like to imagine them to be. History reveals that accidents involving public transportation in the Philadelphia area can and do happen. Sometimes, they’re the result of negligence.
No amount of money can bring back a loved one who has passed on. That said, due to workers’ compensation laws, the families of those who lost their lives in the accident on the Ben Franklin Bridge may be able to file claims to seek compensation for certain economic losses resulting from the passing of the two workers.
Anyone else who is ever harmed in an accident while using public transportation might also have the right to seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other such damages. This might be an option if it can be shown that a negligent party caused such an accident.
If you’ve been involved in a Philadelphia-area construction accident, train accident, or bus accident, and you want to know more about your potential rights to compensation, review your case with an attorney to learn about your options.
At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we have substantial experience handling both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. Our Philadelphia construction accident and train accident attorneys will discuss your case and provide the effective representation you deserve if you choose to work with us. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at (215) 732-2260.