Manatee County Construction Worker Fatally Struck by Backing Dump Truck

A tragic construction site accident in Manatee County claimed the life of a 53-year-old worker after he was struck and run over by a dump truck while assisting with a backing maneuver, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The fatal incident highlights the serious dangers construction workers face every day in active work zones.

According to FHP, the crash occurred around 12:02 p.m. on February 18 near Diamond Reef Drive and Bella Mar Trail, where construction was underway for a new residential subdivision.

Investigators say a 2026 Kenworth dump truck, driven by a 46-year-old woman from Wesley Chapel, was backing east along Bella Mar Trail to unload materials.

The 53-year-old construction worker from Tampa was reportedly assisting the driver while the truck was reversing when he tripped and fell to the ground. Troopers said the truck’s right-side tires then ran over the worker.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the man sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead.

Construction Site Safety Concerns

Construction zones are among the most dangerous work environments in Florida. Workers often operate in close proximity to:

• Heavy machinery
• Large commercial vehicles
• Backing dump trucks and loaders
• Limited visibility areas
• Uneven ground and debris

Backing vehicles, in particular, present a significant hazard due to blind spots and limited reaction time.

According to federal safety agencies, struck-by incidents involving heavy equipment are one of the leading causes of death in construction zones nationwide.

Common Causes of Construction Zone Fatalities

Fatal workplace accidents involving construction vehicles often occur due to:

• Poor communication between workers and drivers
• Lack of proper spotters or safety protocols
• Limited visibility or blind spots
• Inadequate training or supervision
• Unsafe site conditions
• Failure to implement backing alarms or cameras

Even when a worker is assisting a driver, a single misstep or loss of balance can quickly turn deadly when heavy equipment is involved.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Construction Accident

When a construction worker is killed on the job, surviving family members may have legal rights depending on the circumstances of the incident. Potential claims can include:

• Workers’ compensation death benefits
• Third-party negligence claims against contractors or equipment operators
• Claims involving unsafe worksite conditions
• Product liability if equipment malfunctioned

A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine whether proper safety procedures were followed and whether negligence played a role.

Speak With a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in tragic workplace and construction accidents.

Our firm focuses exclusively on serious injury and wrongful death cases and works closely with investigators and safety experts to determine what went wrong and who may be responsible.

If your family has lost a loved one in a construction accident or other fatal incident, you may be entitled to compensation and answers. Contact our office today for a confidential, free consultation.