The case of the fallen worker
McGlashing v. Dunlop; First Circuit Court; July 1966

A worker falls eight stories to the ground when a platform supporting him fails. He sustains injuries that hospitalize him for six months and leave him partially paralyzed and in constant pain. The injuries include inter alia, broken bones, internal and neurological damage, a ruptured aorta and bladder, a perforated colon, lung damage and lacerations.

The medical bills: $800,000. Future medical costs are projected at $600,000 to $1.1 million. His net economic loss is projected at $1.1 million to $1.3 million.

The worker’s employer, Company A, had leased the platform equipment from Company B to work on a project for Company C. Company A had signed an indemnification agreement as part of the lease. Company A appealed the decision of the U.S. District Court over the interpretation of the indemnification agreement, under which Company A was found liable for the largest portion of the damages the jury awarded to the worker and his wife. The Circuit Court affirmed.

The damages:
Click Here to learn about the damages awarded by the Circuit Court.