OSHA Investigating After Scaffolding Collapse Kills 3 Construction Workers in Sabine Pass

According to a KSAT News report, OSHA is investigating a deadly construction site accident in Sabine Pass.

Sempra Infrastructure reported in a statement that the incident happened at around 2 a.m. Tuesday, April 29th, at the Port Arthur LNG site in Sabine Pass. The construction contractor at the site, the Bechtel Global Corporation, confirmed that a  “tank jump form system incident occurred at elevation on April 29.” 3 workers were killed — two died on site, and one died of his injuries at the hospital. 2 other workers were injured but have since been released from the hospital. All work on the site was immediately stopped. OSHA and local authorities are investigating the incident. As of this afternoon, it is not clear what caused the scaffolding to detach and fall.

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Did You Know?

A jump form system, also known as climbing formwork, is a type of formwork used to construct large vertical concrete structures like shear walls, core walls, lift shafts, and bridge pylons.

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Construction Worker Wrongful Death: What Texas Families Need to Know

Construction work is inherently dangerous. Despite strict safety regulations, construction workers continue to die at higher rates than almost every other industry in the United States.

In 2023, construction had the highest number of fatalities of any other sector, with 1,057 workers killed.

If you’ve lost a family member in a construction site accident in Texas, you may be entitled to workers’ comp death benefits or compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit.

Workers’ Comp Death Benefits

Employers in Texas are not required to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance, though many do, especially in accident-prone industries like construction.

Spouses and dependents of a worker covered by workers’ compensation are eligible to recover death benefits. This will include financial compensation for:

• Lost wages,
• Medical expenses,
• And funeral expenses.

Unlike wrongful death claims, the surviving family does not need to prove negligence occurred to be eligible for benefits. However, families are usually not allowed to file a wrongful death claim against an employer who carries workers’ comp.

You shouldn’t accept workers’ comp benefits without speaking to a work injury attorney first–they can tell you if you have other options available to you or if you are entitled to more than you are being offered.

Wrongful Death Claims

Families may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased construction worker in Texas if:

• The employer is not covered by workers’ comp.
• The employer is covered by workers’ comp but was grossly negligent.
• A third party contributed to the wrongful death of the employee.

Depending on what caused the fatal construction accident, the negligent parties could include:

• Construction companies
• Property owners
• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Equipment manufacturers

In Texas, proving gross negligence occurred requires showing that the employer:

• Was aware of an extreme risk to worker safety
• Proceeded with conscious indifference to employee welfare
• Knowingly implemented or maintained practices that led to the fatal incident

A wrongful death attorney in Texas can explain what parties are at fault in your case and if it makes sense to pursue a wrongful death claim against the employer or a third party in a free case evaluation.

Did You Lose a Loved One in a Construction Accident? Call Shaw!

You don’t have to fight alone.

If you lost a loved one in a construction accident anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Medical Bills,
• Funeral Expenses,
• Burial Expenses,
• Lost Income,
• Loss of Consortium,
• Lost Benefits,
• And More.

We will help you find out if you have a case for free.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced work injury lawyer in Texas. You’ll find out if you’re getting a fair deal or should pursue a lawsuit completely free, with no obligation to hire our firm when you’re done.

Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.

 

¹KSAT Report

²U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics