Workplace accident has deadly consequences

Work is a fact of life for many Massachusetts residents. Every day, they get up, get dressed and head out the door. Some work in office buildings, and others work on construction sites. Regardless of the location, each individual goes to work under the assumption that after a certain period of time, he or she will return home. Unfortunately, sometimes a workplace accident occurs and this assumption does not become reality.

Recently, one young man went to work expecting to return home at the end of the day. He joined his fellow construction workers who were working on a trench in one of their local subdivisions. As they were working, the trench sides caved in filling the trench with dirt. The 25-year-old worker was trapped beneath the dirt and suffocated.

Accidents happen on a regular basis. Most of these accidents are minor and result in only a scrape or bruise. Unfortunately, other accidents have more serious or even deadly consequences. For this reason, companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for each employee.

Workers’ compensation insurance is available to help meet the needs of the individual who is injured or the needs or a surviving family when a worker accidentally dies on the job site. This insurance is available to assist with medical expenses associated with the workplace accident, loss of income as a result of the accident and even funeral expenses if necessary. Massachusetts workers who have been injured on the job or families of workers who have died in a workplace accident are entitled to pursue claims for these workers’ compensation benefits. At times, the process can appear to be complicated and confusing; however, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help provide guidance through the process and make sure that the worker or family receives all applicable benefits.

Source: wjbf.com, “25-year old Augusta man killed in workplace accident”, Damon Putzier, Jan. 5, 2017