Sweet Home, OR – A 73-year-old military veteran from Sweet Home died after falling into a construction trench while using a motorized wheelchair. His family has settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the state of Oregon and county contractors.
Carl Wescott fell into a trench at the intersection of 18th Avenue and Main Street in 2022. He sustained numerous serious injuries including an open ankle fracture-dislocation and damage to various body parts.
Wescott’s family claimed he was told by local construction workers he could cross through the construction area. An employee of C-2 Utility allegedly moved a backhoe to allow him to pass.
Wescott died two weeks after the fall while hospitalized for his injuries. His family alleged he had pre-existing health conditions but was still allowed to cross the construction zone by workers.
Contractors involved denied responsibility. They claimed he was negligent and had been advised against crossing the area again.
The lawsuit had a trial date set for May 2026 before it settled this month. A Linn County court dismissed the case on Dec. 19 according to court records.
Terms of the settlement between the family and the contractors remain undisclosed. Wescott’s family sought $2.35 million in damages.