Summary:

Carbone Lawyers has recently settled a damages case for a young labourer severely injured on a building site.

Case Details:

The plaintiff, a labourer in his 20s, was working on a building site in Melbourne, installing prefabricated modules under the direction of his employer. One day, his employer instructed him to climb onto the roof of one of the modules, despite it being unstable and nearly three meters high. Critically, there were no guard rails, harnesses, or other safety measures in place to prevent falls.

While performing his task, the young labourer fell from the roof onto the concrete floor below, suffering multiple serious injuries. He sustained head trauma and injuries to his foot, ankle, leg, and wrist. The physical injuries were compounded by psychological trauma, including stress, anxiety, and depression, all resulting from the fall and the ongoing pain.

Legal Action:

Carbone Lawyers brought legal proceedings against the labourer’s employer, claiming negligence and breach of statutory duty. The claim focused on the employer’s failure to:

• Ensure the worker’s safety by not providing appropriate fall protection, such as a harness or guardrails.
• Inspect the roof of the module to confirm it was safe before instructing the worker to climb onto it.
• Provide adequate training on working at heights and the associated risks.
• Properly supervise the young worker while he was performing the task.

The case underscored the legal and moral obligation of employers to ensure the safety of their workers, especially in high-risk environments like construction sites. Failure to implement and enforce basic safety protocols can result in severe consequences for employees, both physically and mentally.

Outcome:

The matter was settled out of court for several hundred thousand dollars in compensation for the pain, suffering, and psychological impact caused by the employer’s negligence.

*Details of this case have been altered or omitted to protect the identity of the parties.

Important:

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury under similar circumstances and has not sought legal advice, it is essential to consult with a lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional harm you’ve experienced. Failing to take legal action could mean losing the opportunity to hold negligent employers accountable and obtain the financial support you need for recovery.