There are many people in Illinois who report to work each day knowing that they may be placing their life in jeopardy. However, almost anyone could be involved in a serious, even fatal, workplace accident. For example, one out-of-state man was recently killed in an accident while at work.
Firefighters and police were contacted just before 9 p.m. one night in early November. When they responded to the scene, they found a 31-year-old man who had been injured in what has been described as an industrial accident. The man, an employee of Amtech Elevator Services, was found in the elevator shaft on the ground floor of a three story apartment complex.
Unfortunately, the man died at the scene of the accident. Many details surrounding his death are unclear at this time. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will likely initiate an investigation in the cause of the accident. If it is found that healthy or safety standards were violated leading up to the man’s death, the company could face fines as a result.
While OSHA works to prevent a similar incident in the future, the family of the deceased man is likely still reeling from the news of his death. In addition to the emotional ramifications of his death, they will also have to deal with the financial ramifications, including loss of wages and funeral expenses. Fortunately, these expenses are likely covered by workers’ compensation benefits, a type of insurance coverage all states — including Illinois — require companies to provide for their workers in the event of a workplace accident. Many people who deserve such compensation, such as the dependent of a deceased worker, have found it helpful to seek experienced guidance to ensure they receive all of the benefits to which they are entitled.
Source: CBS Los Angeles, “Elevator Technician Killed In Beverly Hills Industrial Accident”, Nov. 7, 2014
