No family is prepared for the news that their loved one has been killed. The news surely comes as a devastating shock when their loved one is completing routine workplace responsibilities at the time of their death. After a fatal workplace accident in Illinois, one family must now cope with the loss of their family member and the expenses that are associated with it.
The accident occurred in March at Behr Iron & Metal. First responders were called to the facility around 7 p.m. They report that they found a 39-year-old man who was trapped by machinery and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead almost two hours later.
A recent autopsy report found that the man died from traumatic asphyxia, which could have been caused if the machinery compressed the man’s chest or abdomen. In the case of a fatal workplace accident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration generally conducts an investigation. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether any health and/or safety standards were violated and led to the accident. OSHA typically has up to six months to report its findings.
While the investigation can hopefully prevent other workers from experiencing the same fate as this man, his family is likely more focused on the emotional burden the news of his death has created. In addition to their grief, the family will also have the cope with the financial implications of his death, including funeral expenses and the loss of his income. The man’s family likely qualifies for Illinois workers’ compensation death benefits as a result of the workplace accident. These benefits can help with many of the financial ramifications of the man’s death. Unfortunately, the process of obtaining the compensation is sometimes complex, and some families have found it helpful to seek assistance from those with experience regarding the process.
Source: wrex.com, UPDATE: Beloit man dead after industrial accident at Behr Metal, Samantha Jeffreys, March 11, 2014
