Madison, Wisconsin – A civil case involving a worker injured in an explosion during the Camp Randall South Endzone Renovation Project has reached a settlement, bringing closure to a tragic incident that occurred in April of 2022. Jeremy Rose, an employee of a subcontractor, suffered severe burns to over 70% of his body when a colleague inadvertently ignited a propane torch in the vicinity of flammable materials Rose was working with.
The settlement, totaling $22 million, was agreed upon just 10 days before the trial was scheduled to commence. Rose’s lawyer, Daniel Rottier from the firm of Habush, Habush, and Rottier SC, argued that the general contractor was negligent in not enforcing safety protocols that would have necessitated a work permit for the use of an open flame torch, which would have involved a supervisory inspection.
Advocating for stricter safety measures in the construction industry, Rottier emphasized the importance of hot work permits in safeguarding workers’ well-being, stressing that cutting corners in safety precautions can have devastating consequences, both in terms of human life and financial costs.
The resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the critical need for adherence to safety regulations and oversight on construction sites to prevent avoidable accidents and protect the lives of workers. This incident underscores the importance of thorough safety training and enforcement of safety protocols to mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of all individuals involved in construction projects.
Moving forward, it is imperative for all parties involved in construction projects to prioritize safety above all else, implementing stringent measures to prevent similar accidents and uphold the highest standards of workplace safety. The settlement reached in this case not only provides a sense of justice for Jeremy Rose but also serves as a wake-up call for the industry to reevaluate and strengthen safety practices to prevent future tragedies.