Families of killed construction workers settle claims for $14.5M

The families of three construction workers who were killed in an accident have confidentially settled a lawsuit against a subcontractor, a general subcontractor, and an equipment manufacturer for $14.25 million, their attorneys report.

David Kirby and Bill Bystrynski of Edwards Kirby in Raleigh, Chuk Umerah of Fayetteville, and Adam Neijna of Raleigh report that the three injured workers were undocumented immigrants, and that complicated their case. But Kirby said that the size of the settlement reflects the fact that a jury would likely be sympathetic because of the unsafe conditions that the men were working under.

Due to a confidentiality agreement, other details about the settlement, including the names of the defendants and their attorneys, were unavailable.

SETTLEMENT REPORT — WRONGFUL DEATH

Amount: $14.25 million

Injuries alleged: Three deaths

Case name: Confidential

Court: Confidential

Date of settlement: June 2020

Attorneys for plaintiffs: David Kirby and Bill Bystrynski of Edwards Kirby in Raleigh, Chuk Umerah of Fayetteville and Adam Neijna of Raleigh

Attorneys for defendants: Withheld