Unfortunately the lawsuit mentioned above was not the only problem for Paras on the this project. As general contractor, Paras was responsible to ensure that all subcontractors provided a safe workplace to their workers.
John Slojund, expectant father and employee of a subcontractor on this Paras project, suffered a spinal fracture after falling off scaffolding. The scaffolding was missing guardrails which were required by Washington State. As a result, John was permanently paralyzed and his newborn will never see him walk.
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Incredibly, Paras's chosen subcontractor had been cited for numerous safety fall hazards in violation of safety laws before John's fall. Despite this, Paras continued to allow them to work on the job site. John paid a high price for Paras's failure.
The liability claims on this project were divided between Paras and the scaffolding rental company. The scaffold company was alleged to be responsible because they did not provide instructions to Paras and its subcontractor with their scaffolding. Because Paras settled in mediation and the scaffold rental company settled separately out of court prior to trial the exact details of the settlement are hidden from the public record. However, a Guardian Ad Litem's report included a reference that John's claim was settled for $2.1 million dollars.
Construction users should demand that only the most qualified general and sub contractors work on their projects. Construction end users should demand that these contractors use only "Competent" and "Qualified" workers who can safely erect scaffolding even when the equipment rental company does not provide instructions.
No one should have to pay the price that Paras and the scaffolding rental company made John pay – falling and being paralyzed. John's crippling injury and the resulting heartaches to his family, including his newborn daughter, should be the last thing you want associated with your project.
Worker Paralyzed By Fall on Paras Project |
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