February 11, 2021 –
Dear Sirs:
I am writing in response to your request for additional information. In block #8 on the accident form, I put “Trying to do the job alone” as my accident’s primary cause.
You said in your letter that you needed a more detailed report, and I trust the following will be sufficient.
I am an air conditioning/heating serviceperson by trade. On the date of the accident, I worked alone on the roof of a new six—story building.
When I completed my work, I found that I still had about 500 lbs. of tools on the roof. Rather than carry these tools down six flights of stairs by hand, I then decided to lower them from the roof in a barrel by rope and pulleys.
Securing the rope at ground level, I then went up to the roof and swung the barrel out, and loaded the tools into the barrel. Then I went back down to ground level and untied the rope, holding it tightly to ensure a slow descent of the 500 lbs. of tools.
You will note in block #11 of the accident report that I weigh 135 lbs. You can imagine my surprise when suddenly I was jerked off the ground, lost my presence of mind, and forgot to let go of the rope.
Needless to say, I proceeded at a rather alarming rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming down the side of the building. This will explain the fractured skull and broken collarbone.
Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until my knuckles on my right hand were buried two inches deep into the pulley.
Fortunately, at this time, I regained my presence of mind and held onto the rope despite the pain.
At approximately the same time, the barrel hit the ground, and the bottom fell out of the barrel, dumping the tools into a pile on the ground.
With the barrel now empty—and again, I refer you to the block #11 on my weight—I began a rapid descent down the side of the building.
Again in the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This will explain the two fractured ankles and lacerations on my legs.
When I hit the barrel, it slowed me down enough so that when I fell on the tools, I only sustained three broken vertebrae in my back.
I am sorry to report that as I lay on the ground in pain, I again lost my presence of mind and let go of the rope. The barrel came down and broke my hip.
I hope that this is sufficient information for the insurance company. Please send the check to me.
Author of letter unknown