Six Construction Workers Hospitalized After Overnight Accident on I-395 Bridge Project in Miami

An overnight construction accident on the Interstate 395 bridge project in Miami sent six construction workers to the hospital, five of them as trauma alerts, according to Miami Fire Rescue. The incident occurred late Friday night during scheduled construction activity and remains under investigation by state and federal agencies.

Miami Fire Rescue officials said crews responded Friday night to reports of a construction accident at 1490 NW 3rd Avenue, part of the ongoing I-395 bridge project.

Upon arrival, responders discovered that a cap beam—a heavy horizontal structural component used to support bridge formwork—had toppled during a concrete pour, throwing six workers approximately 30 feet. One worker was trapped following the fall.

Firefighters conducted a complex rescue operation using boom trucks and cutting tools to extricate the trapped worker. Emergency responders transported five workers as trauma alerts and a sixth worker in stable condition to area hospitals.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a statement clarifying that the incident was not a bridge collapse and did not involve lanes open to the public. According to FDOT:

• The accident occurred during a scheduled overnight construction operation
• It involved construction formwork during a concrete pour
• All work was conducted in a controlled and closed work zone
• No members of the public were involved
• No fatalities were reported
• Temporary road closures were implemented only to allow emergency access

All travel lanes have since reopened.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it will begin its investigation by identifying the contractors responsible for the site and gathering reports from those involved. FDOT has also taken over a parallel investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

These investigations will focus on issues such as:

• Whether proper safety protocols were followed
• The stability and installation of construction formwork
• Compliance with OSHA and FDOT construction safety standards
• Training, supervision, and oversight at the job site

Legal Rights of Injured Construction Workers

Construction accidents involving heavy equipment and structural components can cause catastrophic injuries. While workers’ compensation typically provides initial benefits, injured workers may have additional legal options, especially when negligence is involved.

Depending on the facts, injured workers may be able to pursue claims against:

• Third-party contractors or subcontractors
• Equipment manufacturers if defective materials contributed
• Engineering or design firms
• Site managers or safety coordinators

Potential compensation beyond workers’ compensation may include:

• Full medical costs and future treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

A thorough investigation is critical to determining whether safety failures, improper procedures, or equipment defects played a role.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent workers and families affected by serious construction accidents throughout Florida. Our firm intentionally maintains a small caseload, allowing us to give each case the focused attention it deserves.

We assist by:

• Conducting independent investigations alongside OSHA findings
• Identifying all potentially liable parties beyond workers’ comp
• Preserving construction site records and safety documentation
• Working with engineering and construction safety experts
• Handling all communications with insurers and contractors

There are no upfront costs. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If you or a loved one was injured in a construction accident on the I-395 project or any other work site, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent injured workers throughout Miami-Dade County and across Florida.