To support oneself and one's dependents, a person must have a source
of income. If someone loses the ability to earn an income, he or she will
likely encounter significant difficulties. If a person is injured at work
because of his or her employer's failure to create a safe work environment,
it is possible that he or she could receive
compensation for lost wages and medical expenses. Such was the case for a Texas man who was injured
at work several years ago.
Five years ago, this Texas man had a serious accident while working. In
order to lay a tarpaulin overtop a load in a truck, the man was standing
approximately 15 feet above a concrete floor on top of boxes of cotton
gin. He fell 15 feet to the concrete ground and reportedly suffered a
broken collarbone, broken arm, and skull and facial fractures as a result
of the fall. In addition, he incurred brain injuries from crashing into
the concrete floor.
Because of the accident, he reportedly lost some verbal, cognitive, and
physical abilities. His personal life was also impacted by his injuries.
He and his wife have separated since the accident; his wife stated during
the trial that his attitude changed after the accident and he then moved
out of their home.
It would be quite distressing to have so many changes occur so suddenly.
This man went to work that morning perhaps looking forward to the weekend
or getting together with friends after work, but he left work with many
serious injuries.
Now, a Texas jury has awarded this man and his estranged wife a total
of $5.5 million. This amount is designated for medical expenses already
incurred, future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, pain and anguish,
and consortium (for his wife). This couple has undoubtedly faced many
unforeseen struggles in the five years since the man's fall. This
payment does not take away these hard times, but it will relieve some
financial worries.