In one of the most blatant examples of accident coverup, a group of contractors in California has been cited for improper record-keeping of worker injuries, including one worker who was found to have a traumatic brain injury. The group, called KFM, is a “joint venture partnership of three construction giants” according to their website; the group was awarded the $1 billion contract to make San Francisco’s Bay Bridge more earthquake-worthy. The companies listed in the partnership are Kiewit Pacific of Vancouver, WA, FCI Constructors Northern Division of San Jose, CA, and Manson Construction Company of Seattle, WA.

This might be the most disturbing cover up of all, since untreated traumatic brain injury can lead to more serious conditions down the road, even death. The incident happened when one worker was struck on the neck and head with a load of welding equipment. The worker went to see the nurse who cleared him to return to work, though under observation. That nurse told a reporter with the San Mateo County Times that despite what she was expected to say and officially document, she felt he should have been sent to a hospital immediately. After complaining of blackouts and headaches, the worker was finally allowed to go to the hospital.

And “allowed” is definitely the correct word here. Workers who skirted the official KFM medical facilities (where KFM officials could influence the wording of medical reports) and sought outside medical attention were fired. One worker, with a severe back injury, was put on restricted duty. But as his back worsened, he finally went to a doctor – and was fired five days later.

In total, KFM was cited with 17 record keeping violations. The grand total of the fines to this billion-dollar partnership: $5,790. A company spokesperson stated that KFM was appealing the citations, and “KFM takes strong exception to any allegation of intentional violation of recordkeeping requirements…”

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury or any other serious injury while working on the job, contact a brain injury lawyer at Jim S. Adler & Associates. We have more than 30 years of experience fighting for workers’ rights, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Most cases may not have the gross negligence suggested by the incidents above, but your employer still has full responsibility to protect your health – and get you proper medical treatment should an accident occur. Call or click on the link on this page to submit your traumatic brain injury incident for a free case review.