Widow Sues Contractors Over Crane Collapse

DALLAS (CN) - The family of a construction worker killed in the collapse of a construction crane at the University of Texas at Dallas has filed suit in county court.

Terry Weaver, of Van, Texas, and Thomas Fairbrother Jr., of Austin, were killed on July 7 during the collapse of the crane at the Arts and Technology Building.

A statement the school posted to its website the next day says: "The crane was being dismantled when it fell across the building. The two workers were employees of Harrison Crane and Hoist, an outside construction firm. No UT Dallas students or employees were injured. Our sympathy and deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the two workers killed in this tragic accident."

The newly widowed Tammy Weaver says her husband's death was the direct result of the dangerous condition of the crane. She sued alongside her son, Derek Weaver.

Harrison Hoist, Hunt Construction Group and Baten Steel Erectors should have known of the condition, and they failed to remedy the condition, according to the eight-page complaint.

Located in the suburb of Richardson, UTD is a doctoral research university with more than 18,800 students as of 2011. In the days following the collapse, students organized a moment of reflection at the campus mall and set up a memorial fund to honor the deceased construction workers and their families.

"This is a way in which we can honor the deceased and show our respect to the families of those who lost their loved ones," dean Gene Fitch said in a statement. "It also is an opportunity for us to grieve as a community."

The Weavers seek punitive damages for gross negligence, wrongful death and other claims. They are represented by James Payne with Provost Umphrey of Beaumont.

Follow @davejourno

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