Breaking News: Father of Four Killed in “Preventable” Workplace Accident in Durham, NC

Durham, North Carolina — May 2, 2024 — According to the Charlotte Observer, a hardworking welder, Ricardo Aleman, age 51, had more than 20 years of experience and was well-acquainted with the dangers of construction work. Tragically, the last accident he was in was fatal.

Last July, the father of four fell through a hole in the floor while working for a contractor at Wolfspeed’s Durham headquarters, plunging 14 feet to his death on a concrete floor.

Workplace safety inspectors found that a sheet of plywood covering the hole had not been secured, and they fined Southern Industrial Constructors $20,285 for two serious violations.

Aleman’s death marked the second workplace fatality at the semiconductor manufacturer Wolfspeed in 16 months, following the electrocution death of technician Vincent Farrell.

Officials with Southern Industrial Constructors didn’t respond to requests for comment from media outlets. Wolfspeed, which was fined $27,553 for two serious violations in Farrell’s death, told the labor department it has since adjusted its safety protocols.

The family received money from workers’ compensation, but it makes a poor replacement for Aleman. Our thoughts are with the family.

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.