Jerry Ouellette Injured by Falling Steel near Avenue 7 in Madera County

48-Year-Old Ironworker Killed on a Construction Site near Avenue 7 near Highway 99

MADERA, CA (March 6, 2018) – A Fresno ironworker was seriously injured at a construction site in Madera County on Tuesday when a steel rebar structure on which he was working on fell onto him.

According to the victim’s nephew, Josh Escovedo of Sacramento, 48-year-old Jerry Ouellette was partially crushed by the falling steel. The incident occurred shortly before 2 PM on Tuesday, at a construction site near Avenue 7, east of Highway 99, where crews were building an overpass north of the San Joaquin River.

Reportedly, what was harnessing the rebar broke or slipped and the structure toppled. Escovedo was the worker closest to it and couldn’t get away in time. Another source reported that workers were using a crane to lift a forming wall when the rigging fell.

Ouellette was pinned from the chest down, breaking his collarbone, all of his ribs, and his vertebrae. According to Escovedo, Ouellette’s surgeons believe he may be a paraplegic after the accident.

A GoFundMe page was set-up by his family to help with his recovery.

Work hazards come in different forms and site accidents can happen even to the most careful and most safety-gear-equipped employees. We must always be prepared in case a tragedy strikes. It is also a must to follow safety measures religiously regardless of your career or work environment.

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If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries while on the job or may become disabled, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Sweet Law Group. We have over 40 years of experience in the field, and know what it takes to win your case and achieve the justice and compensation that you deserve. Call our offices at (800) 203-3061 for a free consultation with a professional in your area. We can also be reached 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week by email, online chat, and text message.