One of the worst calls a family can receive is when they are informed that a loved one has died unexpectedly. A person's unfortunate death can occur in a multitude of ways, including in a fatal workplace accident. There are certain jobs that lend themselves to a greater risk for those performing them, but this can happen to anyone no matter what they are doing. People who are faced with the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident at work will not only have to handle the emotional and personal issues of the death, but the financial ones as well. Coming to terms with this can be difficult, and it is important to realize that there could be justification to file a legal claim for compensation.
A construction worker who was laying pipe on a residential construction project was recently trapped in a trench when it collapsed, later dying from the incident. When rescue crews arrived, they stated that at its deepest point, the trench was between 10 and 12 feet deep. This is a violation of the rules for trench work.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that if a trench is five feet deep or more, then there must be a protective system in place unless the rock is stable. In this case, the trench consisted of hard-packed clay. Upon their investigation, the OSHA found that the company for which the man worked lied about the depth of the trench, saying it was seven feet when it was actually far deeper at 12 feet.
The worker was 33 and had two young children. Given the ongoing investigation and that it is apparent that the company ignored various safety protocols, the man's family is planning to pursue a legal filing. This case illustrates the aftermath of a wrongful death incident when a person is killed at work. The family is not expecting it and the decedent's contribution and support can lead to long-term problems if it is taken away in such an immediate manner. Not only will there be the aforementioned funeral expenses, but the family left behind might have trouble making ends meet.
When considering all the issues that can arise after a fatal workplace accident, those who have been affected need to make certain to protect themselves. Knowing how to pursue a legal case is key. In these matters, a wrongful death suit could help loved ones recover the losses and damages incurred by the fatal incident.
Source: Whio.com, "Family plans action in wake of trench collapse death," June 18, 2016
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