Significant Cases: Jose Leon

Michael Cordova Sues General and Subcontractor on ASU Project for Injured Worker – Obtains $1.91 Million Dollar Settlement

On February 1, 2005, Jose Leon was working on a large scale construction project located at the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, Arizona. Mr. Leon was an employee of a subcontractor, and the construction project was managed by the general contractor, Westpac Construction. Mr. Leon suffered serious and permanent injuries on the construction site as a result of a 16 foot fall caused by a defective fall protection system, installed by Tri-City Mechanical. The fall protection system was designed to hold over a thousand pounds, and yet it failed when Mr. Leon stepped on it. Mr. Leon, like many workers injured in construction accidents, was a victim of an unsafe work site. Although there were no eyewitnesses to the accident, Plaintiffs were able to recover $1.91 Million Dollars.

Mr. Leon’s Significant Injuries

Mr. Leon lost consciousness after falling 16 feet to the floor below. Immediately after the accident, Mr. Leon was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph’s hospital where the doctors found that he had sustained several spinal fractures and severe head trauma. He had to undergo several traumatic spinal surgeries, and he now lives with permanent screws placed in his spine.

Mr. Leon was only 29 years old when he suffered these life altering injuries, and because he suffered these permanent injuries at such a young age, he is going to have to deal with future medical expenses for the rest of his life.

Not only did this construction accident hurt Mr. Leon physically, it also hurt him emotionally and mentally. Mr. Leon was not able to interact and enjoy being with his family like he did before the accident. His injuries have made it very difficult for him to play and spend time with his three small children and his wife. Like many who suffer injuries from construction accidents, Mr. Leon often felt depressed from not being able to work to support his family. Construction accidents such as this one are devastating not only on the victim, but also to their family. Mr. Leon’s children wanted to know why their father was so different. It was also difficult for Mr. Leon’s wife.

Michael Personally Spoke to the Family on the Saturday They Called

Mr. Leon and his family knew right away that they would not be able to deal with the contractors and their insurance companies on their own, which is why they contacted the Law Office of Michael Cordova immediately after his accident. In fact, Mr. Leon’s family first call to our office was on a Saturday. Michael Cordova spoke with them that same day to assure the family that we would be able to assist them during those difficult times.

Our attorneys were able to conduct a thorough investigation and preserve evidence and information regarding this accident. While our attorneys handled his case, Mr. Leon was able to spend his time concentrating on recuperation and rehabilitation. Through strength, perseverance, and much difficulty, Mr. Leon has recovered to the point that he can do many physical activities that he could do before the accident, including driving a car, working out, and performing repairs on his vehicle.

Michael Cordova Files Lawsuit in Complex Construction Case

On December 21, 2005 Michael Cordova P.C., filed a lawsuit in Maricopa Superior Court for Mr. Leon against Westpac Construction and Tri-City Mechanical in a case that ultimately involved 8 separate parties. The parties filed 3rd Party claims, cross-claims, and insurance companies also sought to intervene in the same lawsuit to have the court decide insurance coverage issues. We alleged that the primary cause of the fall was the failure of Westpac’s fall protection system installed by Tri-City Mechanical.

This case, like most construction injury cases, was a complex matter. Several experts were assembled and 15 depositions were taken in this case to show the construction companies were liable for Mr. Leon’s injuries. Our legal team, spearheaded by Michael Cordova, ultimately settled this case for $1.91 million dollars without having to go to trial.

Call Michael Cordova if You Have Suffered a Construction Accident

Construction accidents are difficult not only for the victim but also for family members. Oftentimes one is unsure of how to proceed and deal with the insurance companies, medical providers, and the uncertainty that lies ahead.  Our attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Cordova are equipped with the experience and knowledge to handle serious construction accident cases.  We will fight to obtain results for our clients who have been injured by the negligence of a person or company.  If you or a loved one is the victim of a construction accident, our attorneys can help you.

People who have suffered serious injury or the loss of a family member should contact us for a free personal consultation.