Madison, Wisconsin – A worker who suffered severe burns in a 2022 explosion at the University of Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium has settled his lawsuit against the project’s general contractor for $22 million, according to his attorney.
The settlement was reached just 10 days before the civil trial was set to begin in Dane County last month. The worker, Jeremy Rose, was employed by Maly Roofing, a subcontractor of JP Cullen & Sons, at the time of the incident. On April 13, 2022, an explosion occurred when a Cullen foreman used a flame torch in an enclosed mechanical room beneath the football stadium, causing Rose to sustain burns on 70% of his body.
Due to the explosion, Rose has undergone multiple surgeries and required significant medical treatment. His attorney, Daniel Rottier, stated that Cullen failed to adhere to industry safety standards by neglecting to obtain a “hot work” permit before using the open flame torch. Rottier emphasized the importance of safety measures in the construction industry to protect workers and prevent such accidents.
As a part of the settlement, Cullen did not admit any wrongdoing. In response to the incident, Cullen Co-President Jeannie Cullen Schultz emphasized the company’s commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of all individuals involved in their projects. The case highlights the importance of following safety protocols in construction work to prevent accidents and protect workers from harm.
The settlement amount of $22 million underscores the severity of the injuries suffered by Rose and serves as a reminder of the potential risks faced by workers in construction projects. While the legal matter has been resolved through the settlement, it serves as a cautionary tale for construction companies to prioritize safety measures and adhere to industry regulations to prevent workplace accidents.
Overall, the resolution of the lawsuit demonstrates the importance of accountability in ensuring the well-being of workers and underscores the need for strict adherence to safety protocols in construction operations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The settlement amount reflects the significant impact of the explosion on the worker and underscores the necessity of proactive safety measures to mitigate risks and protect workers in construction environments.