There are many people who work very hard at their job. One of their goals is to provide for their family. Unfortunately, a workplace accident could prevent a person from continuing their employment and could even lead to a fatality. In this situation, workers in Illinois, or their families in the event of a death, may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. One out-of-state family may be looking into these benefits after a tragic accident took the life of their loved one.
In late June, a 47-year-old man was working for the Royal Green Tree Company. Reports indicate that he was working with a crew to cut a tree on private property. He was reportedly approximately 50 feet off the ground when fellow crew members cleared him to cut a branch. Unfortunately, the branch swung back and struck the man.
A police officer, who happened to be in the area, overheard the man inform his co-workers that he was not okay. After another employee helped the man from the tree, he was transported to an area hospital for treatment. He died approximately two days later. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an investigation into the man’s death.
The unexpected death of a loved one is often difficult to cope with. However, many people do not realize the long-term financial complications such a death can cause. In addition to funeral costs and medical bills, the man’s family will also have to deal with the loss of his wages as a result of the workplace accident. People in Illinois who have found themselves in a similar situation, although entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, have found it helpful to seek additional assistance in ensuring they receive adequate compensation.
Source: Wicked Local Boxford, “Man dies in tree-cutting accident”, Kathryn O’Brien, July 1, 2014