Regardless of a person’s occupation, a workplace accident could happen at any time, causing serious injuries or even a fatality. As a result, many employers take extreme measures to ensure the safety of their employees. However, accidents can still happen. Because of the possibility of such an accident, all states — including Illinois — require employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. Two out-of-state men likely qualify for such benefits after they were injured in a serious work accident.
The two men, employees of Commercial Metals Company, were working one day in early August at approximately 5:30 p.m. Reports indicate that a ladle containing 120 tons of molten metal caused the accident. The ladle fell approximately 30 feet before striking the floor, leaving a crater in the concrete.
The metal also caused a fire. Although workers attempted to battle the fire, concerns over gas lines prompted an evacuation. Two men were flown to the hospital for treatment of burns. One person reportedly suffered serious burns to his hands, while the other worker suffered burns to an estimated 60-80 percent of his body.
While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, the two injured men, as well as their families, may be facing a difficult financial future. The medical bills the two men will face are likely complicated by the loss of wages while they recover. Indeed, they may never be able to return to work in the same capacity. Fortunately, they will likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits to assist with the financial ramifications of their workplace accident. Many people in Illinois who have found themselves in a similar situation have found it helpful to seek additional assistance from those who are knowledgeable about the workers’ compensation system in order to ensure appropriate compensation.
Source: Seguin Gazette, “Two airlifted after industrial accident, fire at CMC”, Felicia Frazar, Aug. 3, 2014
