Jeremy Rose, a worker who was injured in a 2022 explosion at the University of Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium during renovation work, has settled his lawsuit against the project’s general contractor, JP Cullen & Sons, for $22 million. Rose was working for Maly Roofing, a subcontractor of JP Cullen & Sons, when the incident occurred. A Cullen foreman used a flame torch to dry an area of the floor of an enclosed mechanical room beneath the stadium, causing an explosion that resulted in Rose being burned over 70% of his body. He has since required extensive medical care and surgeries.
The settlement was reached just 10 days before the civil trial was scheduled to begin in Dane County, according to Rose’s attorney, Daniel Rottier. Rottier stated that Cullen failed to follow industry safety standards by not requiring a “hot work” permit to be obtained before using the open flame torch. The permit would involve an inspection by a supervisor to ensure hazards are identified. Rottier emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols to protect workers and prevent accidents like the one that injured Rose.
Cullen & Sons did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. In a statement, Cullen Co-President Jeannie Cullen Schultz emphasized that the company’s top priority is the health and safety of everyone involved in their projects. While the specifics of the settlement were not disclosed, it is clear that the company is committed to prioritizing safety measures in all their construction projects. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols in the construction industry to prevent accidents and protect workers.
The incident at Camp Randall Stadium highlights the potential dangers that construction workers face on a daily basis. In this case, a seemingly routine task of drying an area of the floor using a flame torch led to a catastrophic explosion that resulted in serious injuries for Jeremy Rose. The aftermath of the explosion has required Rose to undergo multiple surgeries and extensive medical care to treat the burns he sustained. This serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in construction work and the importance of implementing strict safety measures to protect workers.
The $22 million settlement reached in this case is a significant amount that reflects the severity of the injuries suffered by Jeremy Rose. The fact that the settlement was reached just before the trial was set to begin indicates that both parties were motivated to resolve the matter outside of court. While Cullen & Sons did not admit fault, the settlement likely includes provisions to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future through enhanced safety protocols and training for workers. This case serves as a cautionary tale for construction companies to prioritize safety and ensure that proper procedures are followed to protect their workers.
Overall, the settlement in Jeremy Rose’s lawsuit against JP Cullen & Sons is a reminder of the importance of workplace safety in the construction industry. The incident at Camp Randall Stadium serves as a tragic example of how a failure to adhere to safety standards can result in life-altering injuries for workers. By reaching a substantial settlement and prioritizing safety in their projects, Cullen & Sons has taken a step towards accountability and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future. This case underscores the need for construction companies to prioritize worker safety and follow established safety protocols to protect their employees from harm.
