Most people understand that there is some risk of danger or injury in most things that they do. However, this knowledge is unlikely to prevent people from completing their everyday tasks and duties. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of employers to maintain a safe working environment for their employees, workers are often injured or killed while completing these tasks. Most states, such as Illinois, require employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage in the event that an industrial accident occurs. The family of a deceased man may now be entitled to such compensation after a tragic accident took the life of their young family member.
The accident occurred in early December at an industrial site. It is believed that the 23-year-old man was unloading his truck at a landfill when he was struck by an extremely large piece of machinery. His body was discovered behind is truck by coworkers.
The man died at the scene. According to reports, he had severe internal injuries that caused his death. Police believe the death to be an accident, stating that the machinery that is believed to have struck the man is so large that a driver would likely not know that he or she had struck someone. An autopsy will be conducted.
While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration can investigate the events leading up to the accident in order to try to prevent future deaths or injuries, such an investigation will likely do little to help the man’s family cope with the aftermath of his death. However, in states such as Illinois, workers’ compensation benefits will likely extend to the deceased’s dependents in order to help them with some of the financial hardships, such as funeral expenses and lost wages, caused by an unexpected death. Unfortunately, the regulations and laws governing such benefits are sometimes complex and confusing. Many have found it helpful to seek additional assistance as they fight for the compensation to which they are legally entitled.
Source: Long Island Newsday, Police: Melville worker died from industrial accident, Ellen Yan, Dec. 9, 2013
