Downed power lines are a known danger that can lead to a serious or fatal injury. Unfortunately, a 35-year-old Illinois worker was reported to be in critical condition after a power line fell on his truck. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating the work-related accident, which occurred in late January. As the worker’s family endures an uncertain and emotional time in the wake of the accident, they may wish to investigate their options under our state’s workers’ compensation laws.
It is not reported what the worker was doing at the time the work accident occurred. Local police responded to the call and found that an eyewitness was administering chest compressions in an effort to resuscitate the man. He was rushed to a local hospital and later airlifted to a different medical facility.
In addition to OSHA, Southwestern Electric also responded to the accident because the power line is under its jurisdiction. Details of what caused the work-related accident to occur have not been released. A representative from the worker’s union declined to comment on the incident out of respect for the victim’s family.
A catastrophic work-related accident such as this can have a devastating impact on a worker and his or her loved ones. Critical injuries may require a long recovery period and can even result in permanent disability that can affect an individual’s ability to return to work. The workers’ compensation benefits offered in Illinois are designed to help workers and their families overcome financial hardships resulting from on-the-job accidents. Anyone affected by a work injury or illness may wish to examine their benefits to determine that they are getting what they are entitled to by law.
Source: O’Fallon Progress, “O’Fallon man is critically injured in work-related accident,” Robyn L. Kirsch, Feb. 2, 2013
