Wrongful death lawsuit could follow Massachusetts accident

Like most people, a young man in Massachusetts had plans for his life. He had a job — his employer described him as a reliable employee — that would help him save for his wedding. Unfortunately, his plans came to a tragic halt after a fatal car accident took his life while he was at work helping a stranded driver. The accident may be viewed as having resulted in a wrongful death.

The accident happened around 3 p.m. one afternoon in early February. The 22-year-old two-truck driver was responding to a call made by a motorist with a flat tire. Because the motorist did not have a spare, the victim was attempting to load the vehicle onto his tow truck in the breakdown lane.

Unfortunately, the young man was struck by a box truck driven by a 45-year-old man. While the box-truck driver was uninjured, the victim died at the scene. No charges have been filed at this time. However, the accident remains under investigation, and charges could be forthcoming.

The loss of a loved one is always difficult, but when that loss comes as a result of a preventable accident, the tragedy may seem magnified. Now the Massachusetts man’s family will have to cope with both the emotional and financial ramifications of his death, including funeral expenses and lost wages. In cases in which one is injured by a third party while at work, it may be possible for the surviving family members to not only file for workers’ compensation death benefits but also for wrongful death compensation.

Source: telegram.com, “Tow truck driver from Southbridge is killed on Mass. Pike in Auburn“, Craig S. Semon, Feb. 11, 2015