Iron Worker Falls 30 Feet Down Elevator Shaft ($2.4 Million)


A Local 1 Union IronWorker recovered $2.4 million after suffering a concussion, cuts to the head and face, bruising through the body, a broken nose, and a broken finger.

The Case

The union IronWorker fell over 30 feet down an unguarded elevator shaft in a high rise that he was helping erect. Incredibly, the injuries could have been much more serious and he was fortunate not to have suffered worse. However, the psychological trauma of the fall prevented him from returning to work.

In-Depth Look

The defendant argued that the IronWorker should have seen the hole and should not have been walking backward. The attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates responded that it was common practice to walk backward while carrying and performing construction and that the open hole violated OSHA’s most basic rules.