by: Brittany Muller • WFLA Tampa • Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc.
Posted: • Updated:
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa Bay family is in mourning after their loved one died following an incident at the Hillsborough County Wastewater Department.
The medical examiner’s initial summary report confirmed that Paul Hardy, 49, died due to an accident at work. His leg was crushed, resulting in a blood clot that proved to be fatal.
Hardy, who worked at the Hillsborough County Wastewater Department for 20 years, was a beloved coworker, coach and father.
“Paul loved his family, mother and children. He lived a life that supported a character, his children would grow to acknowledge as upstanding. I was, and still am very proud of my son, and I miss him dearly,” Hardy’s mother, Denise Allen said.
“Paul was one of these people that was an absolute pillar of the community. An amazing father and amazing provider,” said attorney Michael Winer.
“We’re staying in our lane to help them get every benefit that we can get for them through the workers’ comp system,” he said.
“We always felt that there was a connection between his work accident based on the nature of the trauma and his death from a heart attack that there was a connection there, but the county had denied it,” Winer added.
“This is currently a workers’ compensation case pending matter, and we will not be able to answer questions at this time,” the county previously told 8 On Your Side.
According to the initial summary report, on Feb. 7, Hardy was pinned between a piece of equipment called a caddy, and a trailer, which crushed his leg. This required immediate surgery. On March 12, one month later, he died.
“The medical examiner prepared an autopsy report. They did link his fatality to a pulmonary embolism, which was developed secondary to his significant injury that he had that resulted in an open reduction, internal fixation a very complex procedure,” said Winer.
Winer said Hardy developed a blood clot, which proved to be fatal.
Winer said Hillsborough County is paying for Hardy’s funeral expenses and his children will receive weekly death benefits.
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