Atlanta Construction Accident Lawsuit Filed Over Walkway Collapse

A work injury lawsuit in Georgia has been filed in connection with the fatal collapse of an elevated walkway under construction at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in 2008.  

The construction accident lawsuit was filed in Fulton County Court on June 7 by Rafael Rios, a worker who was helping pour concrete during the construction of the skywalk. The complaint names as defendants Atlanta Botanical Garden and several companies involved in the construction project, including Williams Erection Company, Steelfab, Inc., Halvorson & Partners, P.C., LBYD, Inc., A.B. Chance Company, as well as other unnamed individuals and corporate entities.

The elevated walkway collapsed on the morning of December 19, 2008, while suspended about 30 to 40 feet above the ground. The pouring of concrete into the frame was treated as a public event. The accident killed one worker, Angel Chupin, 66, and injured 18 others, including Rios. Several other workers, and Chupin’s family have also previously filed lawsuits over the construction accident.

Williams Erection Co. and two other companies were fined by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which said that the companies failed to properly inspect structures supporting the bridge and failed to sufficiently brace several support towers. Williams is the only of the three companies fined to be named as a defendant.

Rios’ lawsuit charges the companies with negligence, and is seeking $40,679 in compensatory damages for medical expenses. In addition, the lawsuit seeks compensation and punitive damages for physical and mental pain and suffering, permanent scarring, disability and impairment.