There are many hard workers in Illinois. Many people report to work each day in order to support their family. In this tough economy, most people could barely survive a few months without a job, especially if those months came as a result of a workplace accident that required extensive medical treatment. However, states require employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees in the event of such an accident. This coverage will likely kick in for several out-of-state workers after a serious explosion.
Police were called to the workplace just after 11 p.m. one night in mid-November. Reportedly, an explosion occurred while a drilling rig was being used. As a result, a 23-year-old man died at the scene.
In addition to the fatality, two people were transported by helicopter to a hospital for treatment. Reports indicate that they were in critical condition. A fourth victim, whose condition is unclear, was also transported to a hospital for treatment. Generally, in the event of a workplace fatality, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducts an investigation in order to determine the cause of the accident.
All of the victims of this explosion, including the family members of the deceased man, will likely require workers’ compensation benefits as they recover from the accident. Such benefits, which generally extend to dependent family members in the event of a fatality, can cover medical bills, funeral expenses and lost wages. However, as many people in Illinois are likely aware, the path to compensation is sometimes complicated, causing them to seek assistance from those familiar with the process as well as state laws.
Source: newswest9.com, “Hobbs Man Killed in Industrial Accident”, Nov. 16, 2014
