Workers’ comp benefits could help families of deceased workers

On Behalf of | Jun 18, 2014 | Construction Workers' Accidents |

The death of a child is every Illinois parent’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, concern for their offsprings’ safety does not end at the onset of adulthood. One father, who worked on the same construction site as his son, likely experienced the realization of his worst nightmare when his son was killed in a workplace accident. Reports indicate that the man was actually onsite when recovery crews pulled his son’s body, as well as that of another coworker’s, from the rubble. While most people can understand the grief that comes along with such a loss, many are not as aware of the potential financial ramifications of a tragic workplace accident; however, the family of the two deceased men likely qualify for workers’ comp benefits.

The accident happened at approximately 7 a.m. on a day in early June. The two workers, a 25-year-old and a 49-year-old, were suspended approximately 80 feet in the air in a basket attached to a crane. Unfortunately, the basket separated from the crane, sending the two men plunging to the ground.

Witnesses described the fall as not survivable. Unfortunately, the two men died at the scene of the accident despite attempts to revive them. Generally, in a fatal workplace accident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducts an investigation to determine if any safety or health standards were violated leading up to the accident.

While OSHA will help ensure that the work environment is safe for all employees, workers’ comp benefits may be able to help the men’s surviving family members with the financial burdens created by the death of their loved one. Just like family members of employees killed in a workplace accident in Illinois, these people could be provided with compensation for funeral expenses and lost wages, among others. Although employers are required by state law to provide such insurance coverage, many people entitled to it have found it beneficial to seek help from those with experience with the system.

Source: ktvu.com, “Bay Area workers killed in Winters crane accident identified”, , June 2. 2014

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