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Sometimes it’s the hardest working among us that end up as the victim of a tragic workplace accident. This is especially evident in industrial accidents where a hazardous work environment can cause or contribute to serious injury — or even death. A recent industrial accident will likely get the attention of Philadelphia industrial accident attorneys because of its lethal outcome and ongoing OSHA investigation.
The accident occurred when a 6,000 pound steel beam fell on two men at a manufacturing plant that makes structural steel products. A 46-year-old steel worker was rushed away from the accident scene to receive medical care, but unfortunately passed away at the hospital. The other worker, a 26-year-old man, was treated for leg injuries. He underwent surgery and is expected to survive.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, evidence is still being collected and the agency has up to six months to issue any citations against the company. If it is discovered that the company is not adhering to government-mandated safety codes, then they may be struck with fines and instructed to make necessary changes to their unsafe practices. Unfortunately, any future changes made to company policy will not alter the outcome of this tragic accident.
Oftentimes when a worker is hurt in an accident like this one, worker’s compensation entitles the injured worker to compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses related to the injury. Sometimes an injured worker may also have a personal injury claim if some outside party shares responsibility for the workplace accident. At this point, it’s not clear in this case who is responsible for the accident.
Unfortunately in many industrial accidents, including this one, workers lose their lives. When this is the case, they oftentimes leave behind loved ones. The law entitles family members to compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and even the amount of income the worker would have contributed to the family if not for their untimely death.
Source: WGRZ-TV News, “Industrial Accident Claims a Life at Lackawanna Plant,” Maria Sisti, Sept. 27, 2012