The role of a cell tower worker is undeniably one of the most challenging occupations worldwide. Scaling towering structures demands not only physical strength and agility but also the ability to remain composed at dizzying heights, sometimes reaching up to 2,000 feet above ground level.
As the cellular industry continues to expand, states have witnessed a surge in job opportunities, catering to the escalating need for improved networks and faster cellular services. However, this growing demand for cell tower upgrades and installations can also lead to hazardous working conditions and corners being cut.
Tragically, in recent years, the number of fatalities linked to cell towers has been on the rise. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 108 incidents involving communications towers between 2003 and 2013, resulting in the loss of 91 lives and leaving 17 others injured. Yet, this grim reality does not have to persist. OSHA mandates that cell carriers adhere to safety guidelines designed to safeguard their employees.
If you or someone close to you has suffered injuries in a cell tower accident, there may be hope for recourse. Our team of attorney at Tenina Law possesses a wealth of experience across various legal practice areas. We are here to assist you.
Take the first step today by filling out our no-risk, free case evaluation form, allowing us to determine how we can be of assistance to you during this challenging time.
Your assigned legal team will first gather all the records related to your claim, including medical records, bills, and insurance policy information. These documents will help your lawyer understand the extent of your injuries and build a strong compensation case.
Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, collecting all necessary evidence. This may involve reviewing dashcam footage, security camera recordings, and police records to support your case.
Your attorney will skillfully negotiate with the defendant outside of court to secure the compensation you deserve. If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney will be fully prepared to take your case to court.
According to ProPublica, there are approximately 10,000 tower climbers in America who work on television, internet, radio, microwave, and other communication towers, including cell towers. Shockingly, their fatality rate is roughly 10 times higher than that of construction workers.
In the past nine years, nearly 100 tower climbers have tragically lost their lives in the workplace. OSHA has been assigned the responsibility of ensuring that safety standards are upheld within the cell tower industry. This not only applies to cell carriers but also extends to the contractors and subcontractors they hire.
In a letter addressed to cell phone carriers, OSHA Administrator David Michaels emphasized the utmost importance of immediate action to address this urgent issue in the cell tower industry. No worker should be subjected to the risk of death simply to earn a paycheck.
OSHA has listed the following as some of the hazards that are common to cell tower work.
A ProPublica investigation into cell tower fatalities has revealed that numerous accidents occur due to inadequate training, subpar equipment, and the immense pressure to work under hazardous conditions, including nighttime work, to meet the urgent demands of carriers.
News reports across the country indicate that some lawsuits were filed in response to the increasing incidence of cell tower accidents, resulting in some notable verdicts or settlements.
— In Missouri, a woman was awarded a $2.4 million settlement after her husband, who worked for a contractor involved in cell tower construction, tragically lost his life. The incident occurred when a hydraulic winch failed, causing him to fall 600 feet and suffer a fatal injury.
— In another case, taking place in North Carolina, an employee of a cell tower company received an $829,000 settlement after being struck by a falling tree while scouting locations for cell towers. This unfortunate incident resulted in cognitive deficits and partial paralysis.
— In 2006, William Cotton, a cell tower worker employed by ALT Inc., lost his life when a rope containing a 50-pound tower antenna snapped, causing it to fall and fatally injure him. Charles Wheeler, Cotton’s cousin, and co-worker, sustained a back injury while attempting to avoid the falling antenna. Wheeler, along with Cotton’s family, filed a personal injury lawsuit. AT&T subcontracted ALT Inc., Betacom, and two other tower companies for the job, all of which faced fines from OSHA. While the settlement amount remains undisclosed, ALT Inc. resolved with Cotton’s family, Wheeler, and AT&T, while Betacom, according to Frontline, agreed to provide workers’ compensation to Cotton’s surviving relatives.
When it comes to seeking legal assistance for cell tower accidents, Tenina Law is your trusted ally. Our team of dedicated attorney specializes in handling cases involving cell tower accidents and is committed to advocating for the rights of victims and their families.
We understand the profound impact these accidents can have on your life, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. With our extensive legal knowledge and expertise in this area, we will tirelessly fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Tenina Law for a confidential consultation. Let us stand by your side and help you navigate the path towards justice.
At Tenina Law we have over 20 years of experience and dedication to serving our clients. Our extensive expertise in these practice areas guarantees the best outcome for all of our clients!
Each of our clients are treated like family and just another case. Our personal approach leads to better results for the client.