Injured Worker Awarded $144,500
An Androscoggin County Superior Court jury this week awarded nearly $150,000 to a Maine man who was injured while working at a biomass electricity generating facility in Livermore Falls.
Brian Rackliff, 38, of Livermore, was awarded $144,511 by the jury on Wednesday, according to his attorney, Michael Bigos of Berman & Simmons, P.A., in Lewiston. Rackliff was injured when he fell through a temporary hole located 70 feet above ground, on a floor used for hoisting machinery at the facility. An outside contractor-that was performing work at the facility created a hole in the floor for hoisting purposes-failed to cover it when it was not being used, and failed to provide guardrails around it in violation of OSHA regulations. The jury verdict follows a jury verdict obtained last week in York County for almost a half-million dollars for violations of OSHA hoisting safety rules.
Rackliff suffered serious shoulder and leg injuries when he fell partially through the hole. He stopped himself from falling all the way through with his arms and hands and was able to climb to safety, according to Attorney Bigos.
Attorney Bigos said his client required two surgeries to repair his shoulder and additional surgeries to clean out a wound in his leg. He also lost some time from work. Attorney Bigos said that the jury’s verdict “reflects our community’s commitment to the importance of following OSHA safety requirements.”
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Founded in 1914, Berman & Simmons is a plaintiffs’ only law firm. Berman & Simmons attorneys hold many of the largest personal injury verdicts ever obtained in Maine Courts. For nearly 100 years, the trial lawyers at Berman & Simmons have handled all types of plaintiff’s cases, from car accidents to medical malpractice to civil rights and other complex civil trial matters. With offices in Portland, Lewiston and Bangor, Berman & Simmons represents clients throughout the State of Maine and Northern New England. For more information, please visit bermansimmons.com.
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