A series of accidents has highlighted concerns about the construction project underway at Wynn Boston Harbor in Everett. Following the death of a worker last week, NBC 10 Boston has learned the family of another worker has filed a lawsuit.
“This is about as bad as it gets,” said attorney Neil Sugarman.
On behalf of the family of John Pitcher, Sugarman filed a lawsuit against a subcontractor working on the Wynn project. In December, Sugarman said an employee work for SPS New England was operating an excavator when he struck Pitcher in the head.
“He flew 50 feet,” Sugarman explained. “In addition he suffered internal injuries to his spleen, other organs, he suffered massive fractures involving ribs, a collapsed lung.”
Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters.
Following therapy and surgeries, Pitcher died from a blood clot in March. Sugarman argues it stemmed from injuries that were entirely avoidable.
“It was preventable,” said Sugarman. “If people follow the rules and they are well trained then you minimize or prevent things like this from occurring.”
Pitcher’s death is not the first to be connected to injuries from the Wynn project. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are currently four open investigations into accidents at the site.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
In a statement, a spokesman for Wynn Boston Harbor extended their condolences to the Pitcher family.
“It is difficult to hear when anyone related to our project loses their life, whether the injury was sustained on our site or not. This incident is particularly tragic as the worker was recovering. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and co-workers,” wrote Greg John, executive director of bran marketing at Wynn Boston Harbor.
While Sugarman said they are still in the early stages of their investigation, he expects to show SPS New England failed to properly train its employees and practice safety on the job.
SPS New England said they extend their deepest sympathies to the Pitcher family and are cooperating with investigators.
