A bridge spanning about 200 feet to allow pedestrians to move between the Florida International University and Sweetwater on the opposite side of a Miami highway was recently put in place to excited fanfare. Unfortunately, the structure collapsed onto the busy roadway below a mere five days later. The bridge was scheduled to go into use next year. Many people were injured and at least four died when the massive concrete slabs and steel crashed onto the cars below. In the aftermath, personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits will likely follow.
Search-and-rescue crews and K9 units scrutinized the chaotic scene in search of injured victims. Reportedly, the bodies of four deceased victims were recovered, and a hospital said it admitted 10 injured individuals. The conditions of two of those were critical. A director of the hospital said one person suffered serious head trauma and a second person had suffered cardiac arrest, although this person has since been stabilized.
Reportedly, the injuries of others included abrasions, bruises and fractured bones. A police detective in Sweetwater said there were three construction workers with serious injuries. One was not fully conscious and appeared to have suffered a head injury, another one’s leg was injured, and the detective performed CPR on a third worker whom he found unconscious on the road. These victims were transported to a hospital.
The financial and emotional consequences of such a catastrophe are indescribable. Injured victims and the surviving family members of those who lost their lives will likely have grounds to file personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in a Florida civil court. However, determining whom to name as defendants and then establishing negligence will likely prove to be challenging. Fortunately, victims can use the services of an experienced attorney to provide the necessary support and guidance throughout the ensuing legal proceedings in pursuit of recovery of damages.
Source: ktsm.com, “Collapse of bridge built with “innovative” system kills 4″, Adriana Gomez Licon, March 15, 2018