Construction site flagman Anthony Joseph, 19, was severely injured in a hit-and-run crash at his job site.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the hit-and-run crash occurred on September 9 at a construction site along the 3500 block of SW Pine Island Road in Cape Coral.

Someone driving a minivan at a high rate of speed failed to slow down at a marked construction area and struck Joseph, who was reportedly wearing high visibility equipment and holding a stop sign. The minivan attempted to flee the scene but other workers at the site where able to get it to stop, approximately 740 feet from where the collision happened.

Joseph was critically injured and was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital. He suffered multiple broken bones and is currently lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life.

His mother, Linda Joseph, told the press that her son was a “healthy kid” who was “full of joy, happy kid.” She never imagined her son could end up in this situation, with his body broken and unconscious.

The hit-and-run driver, identified as 27-year-old Santa Nicolasa Ajim-Tecum, was arrested and charged with hit and run, and driving without a license causing serious injury. She was ordered held on $50,000. It is unclear if she has acquired the services of an attorney.

Police haven’t said whether alcohol or other intoxicants are being considered variables in the collision.

Construction site jobs are among the most dangerous in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly 150,000 construction site injuries every year. One in ten construction site workers are injured every year.

Road crews have no choice but work alongside oncoming traffic. A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation said drivers should try to be courteous and slow down when passing construction zones.

Speeding or distracted drivers are a big problem for roadside workers, which is why they wear reflective clothing and use flags and lights to help drivers see them. Anthony Joseph was purportedly wearing the correct gear when he was struck by Ajim-Tecum.

Filing for Workers’ Compensation

As Ajim-Tecum’s case moves forward, Anthony Joseph may be entitled to a workers’ compensation claim, as well as a personal injury claim against Ajim-Tecum. In Florida, workers injured on the job can seek medical and wage benefits from their employer.

In cases such as this, it is crucial for an injured worker to hire an attorney who can put pressure on their employer and their insurance company to file petitions for benefits with the workers’ compensation court.

Filing these petitions ensures an injured worker receives their entitled benefits, which include: medical care, such as doctors’ visits, physical therapy, medical tests, prescription drugs, and hospitalization; temporary disability benefits; impairment benefits; and death benefits.

Under Florida’s workers’ compensation law, an injured worker may be eligible for up to 104 weeks of temporary disability benefits.

South Florida Workers’ Comp Attorney

If you or your loved one was injured at a job site, you should hire an attorney. Contact the offices of Brian Silber, P.A., and work with one of South Florida’s most experienced workers’ compensation attorneys.

Source: 9.11.19 driver arrested in crash that injured construction worker in cape coral.pdf