A dock-light repair without fall protection
Circle R. Electric hired David as an independent contractor to replace a dock light. The light was high above the ground. David wondered whether the company would provide a scissor lift or other equipment that would let him reach it safely.
Instead, the company directed him to use a shaky ladder. David used a nearby scaffold that had already been erected. Circle R. owned safety harnesses and other safety equipment but did not provide him with fall protection. David fell from the scaffold and suffered life-threatening injuries.
An injury that changed daily life
David was diagnosed with incomplete quadriplegia. He could no longer work as an electrician and relied on his wife for daily assistance. Much of his time was spent in a bed or wheelchair, and he lived with chronic pain.
The family also faced medical bills exceeding $1 million. Several lawyers declined the case. The company that hired David disputed responsibility, and his status as an independent contractor added to the difficulty of pursuing the claim.
Building the case against Circle R. Electric
Brian Beckcom and the legal team investigated the fall and develop the negligence case against Circle R. Electric. The investigation focused on the work David had been directed to perform and the fall-protection equipment that was available but had not been provided.
The case required looking beyond David’s independent-contractor status to examine the company’s own decisions about the assignment and safety equipment. Brian and the legal team pursued the claim while David and his family faced the continuing consequences of his injuries.
Addressing the medical liens
Obtaining a settlement was only part of the work. The medical liens could consume a substantial portion of the money available to David and his family. Brian brought in an expert to help negotiate with the lienholder.
The case settled for $1 million. The work on the medical liens helped put $500,000 directly into the hands of David and his family.
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