BOSTON (AP) – A Big Dig construction worker injured when he was impaled by a steel beam will receive at least $8 million in a settlement reached with the companies managing the massive highway project and a subcontractor.

Natalio Elias, of New Bedford, suffered brain damage after he was injured in July 2000, when an 8-foot-long piece of steel fell from a crane and impaled his skull.

Under the settlement, which is believed to be the largest liability settlement involving a Big Dig worker since the project began 15 years ago, Elias and his family will receive $8 million in damages and up to $7.3 million more for medical expenses throughout his life.

Elias, 42, had sued Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff, which oversees the mammoth project, and Mark Equipment Corp., the subcontractor that provided the crane involved in the accident.

Lawyers for Elias and Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff declined comment when reached by The Boston Globe. The agreement contains a provision forbidding both sides from publicly discussing it, according to the newspaper.

But Richard Shea, a lawyer for the subcontractor, said that all the defendants disavow any liability.

“This was an unfortunate accident,” Shea said. “We certainly feel that Mark Equipment acted reasonably in all their activities at this construction site. But, given the tragic nature of the injuries, we thought it was best to work cooperatively with (Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff) and the plaintiff’s attorney to resolve this matter.”

Elias underwent four surgeries after the accident. He walks stiffly, has trouble speaking and needs round-the-clock care.

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