Some types of jobs are much more dangerous than others, particularly jobs that require operation of or close contact with heavy or complicated machinery. In these types of professions, serious workplace injury, or even death, is a very real risk that workers must face every day.
Recently, a 33-year-old worker at a wood products shop was killed after he was pinned in a machine. The man, who had worked there for three years, was operating a machine that removes the rough edges from lumber when the accident occurred. It was near the end of his shift, at about 12:40 a.m. He was taken to a local hospital, and experienced trauma injuries to his head and check, plus chest and right arm. He died about two hours after arriving at the hospital.
Regardless of the status of Illinois’ helmet laws, motorcycle and moped riders do face increased risks on the road. Riders involved in accidents are more likely to be injured even if they are wearing the proper safety equipment. If a motorcyclist is injured in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, the victim may be able to bring a civil suit against the driver and potentially recover damages.
Damages are helpful in covering the cost of medical bills or any lost wages from time away from work. An Illinois motorcycle injury attorney can help prove a driver’s negligent and recover full compensation for the victim.
The surviving family members of workers who are killed on the job may be able to benefit from workers’ compensation. Laws vary by state, but workers’ compensation generally covers expenses for medical care from the injury, lost income and benefits to survivors; if the worker was injured, but not killed, the benefits can also include vocational rehabilitation and compensation for permanent injuries.
If a workers’ comp claim is filed, then the worker waives the right to sue the employer for the injury, such as in a wrongful death action. A wrongful death action can be brought by the surviving family members for a death that was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another. Damages can include medical expenses and lost wages, plus damages for pain and suffering, which is not available in a workers’ comp claim.
In either situation, monetary damages cannot bring back a family member who has been killed in a workplace death. But the damages can help reduce any financial strain experienced by the family.
Source: WFMJ.com, “Man killed by machine at W. Pa. wood products shop,” Feb. 6, 2013