US Dept. of Labor files suit alleging SD construction company wrongfully fired injured employee

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The U.S. Department of Labor has filed suit against a South Dakota construction company contractor for the alleged wrongful termination of an employee who reported a “severe” work-related injury.An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that a Valley Springs construction employee received second and third-degree burns from scalding water in a pressurized pipe.OSHA found that Stone Hill Excavation LLC and its successor, Split Rock Sand & Gravel, allegedly violated the whistleblower provisions by firing the worker two days after the injury was reported.The suit asks the court to hold the company and its successor liable for illegal retaliation, and to reinstate the employee and pay back wages, including $100,000 in punitive damages.The U.S. Department of Labor does not release the names of employees involved in whistleblower complaints.Copyright 2026 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.