$1 Million sought in Construction injury claim

DADE CIRCUIT COURT

Attorneys for the victim of a July 26 construction accident at Mystic Pointe in Northeast Dade have filed a $1 million negligence suit against an equipment manufacturer.

Willie Johnson, 40, of Fort Lauderdale, fell through the fifth floor of a building when a concrete pump snapped and crashed down where he and four other workers were standing.

Attorney Brett Panter said the accident almost severed Johnson's ankle. Johnson was released Thursday from Parkway Regional Medical Center and will continue physical therapy as an outpatient.

The suit, filed Wednesday in Dade County Circuit Court, accuses Delaware Concrete Pump Sales Inc. of Newcastle, Del., of inadequate testing, supervision and inspection of the pump.

Because of Florida's workman's compensation laws, Johnson cannot sue his employer, Warren's Concrete Service of Northeast Dade, Panter said.

"I think we have a great case - a compelling case," said Panter. "[Delaware] gambled with lives and workers' well-being, and they should pay the price."

The suit also claims the pump contained a defective weld, which caused it to snap.