Accidents can happen at any time, especially in a place of employment even though most employers do take precautions to ensure their workers’ safety, although every single possible scenario cannot always be accounted for. An injury, whether at work or on one’s personal time, can have devastating financial consequences for the individual and his or her family. Fortunately, those injured in a workplace accident in Illinois and most states are likely covered by workers’ compensation. These benefits generally extend to the worker’s dependents in the event of a fatality. One family in a nearby state will likely be entitled to compensation after they lost their loved one in a fatal accident.
The 41-year-old man was a veteran employee of Bagley Hardwood Products. Reports indicate that the man was standing next to a large garage-type door one morning in early April. As the door opened, the man’s jacket became snared in part of the cables that move the door. Reports indicate that the man’s feet were approximately three feet from the ground when the door came to a stop.
While his coworkers awaited the arrival of emergency personnel, they attempted to disentangle him using various tools. Unfortunately, one first responder reports that the man was had passed away by the time they arrived on the scene. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an investigation into the accident. While these investigations can typically take up to six months to complete, officials in this case say there is no estimated time frame of completion.
Most everyone is aware of the emotional impact of the unexpected loss of a loved one, but many people are not as aware of the damaging financial implications such a loss can have on a loved one. Many families must cope with funeral and burial expenses, in addition to the loss of their loved one’s income. In the event of a workplace accident in Illinois, an employee’s workers’ compensation benefits will likely cover these expenses. However, some people have found the path to compensation complicated, requiring knowledge of and experience with state laws and the intricacies of the claims process.
Source: The Bemidji Pioneer, “Bagley accident victim died before rescuers reached him”, Stephen J. Lee, April 3, 2014
