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An unidentified construction worker was killed in July when the ground surrounding a retaining wall collapsed and trapped him under a crushing rumble. The accident happened at the future site of an Amazon warehouse which is under construction on the 700 block of Ramona Avenue in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia.

Jeffrey S. Gross and Patrick W. Kenny, along with the firm’s qualified associate attorneys represent injured workers throughout Pennsylvania, obtaining workers’ compensation benefits, which sadly, often includes representing the families of workers killed during work-related accidents. If you have been hurt, or if a loved one has been killed at work, please contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys at Gross & Kenny LLP.

Another Sad Story From The Work Site

The 29-year-old victim from Norristown was buried alive as he stood between a slope and the retaining wall. The ground collapsed beneath his feet as his work crew were digging around the retaining wall.

His coworkers called 911, and for nearly an hour, they dug with their hands, before special operations companies were dispatched with backhoes and other heavy digging equipment to eventually free the man.

Philadelphia Fire Department Deputy Chief Carl Randolph said there was evidence the victim may have been knocked unconscious on impact, but he had no way of knowing how long he may have been unconscious.

“His injuries would be consistent with crush syndrome…It was pretty devastating when it collapsed on top of him,” Randolph said.

The man was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Amazon had leased the vacant warehouse earlier this year with the intention of using it as one of the four new delivery stations coming to the Philadelphia area this year. An Amazon spokesperson said the worker was employed by a general contractor, and no Amazon employees were working at the site yet.

“We’re saddened by this tragic incident and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” The spokesman went on to say. “It is our understanding that OSHA is investigating, and we will work with them as needed.”

The latest data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows 2019 saw an all-time low in Pennsylvania fatal work injuries with 154. But that is still 154 yearly tragedies that need to be investigated, accounted for, and treated with compassion and fairness.

When Should I Contact A Lawyer?

A fatal claim petition for a deceased worker works much like a wrongful death claim in a civil court. Fatal claims consider the wages a deceased worker would have earned if he or she had not died in a work-related accident, Then the claim calls for compensation of those wages to the victim’s family.

The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers of Gross & Kenny, LLP, can help you navigate the complicated nuances of the workers’ compensation act, preparing the fatal claim petition and seeing it through until you receive the benefits that you are entitled to.

Contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 215-512-1500.