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There is bad news for workers. According to an AFL-CIO report, work-related deaths in the US reached 150 a day in 2011. The study gathered data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. The numbers indicate 13 people die each day as the result of workplace injuries and another 137 people are killed each day from work-related illnesses and diseases. These statistics are staggering and amount to more than 50,000 individuals killed each year from work-related conditions.
When these individuals pass away because of a workplace incident their families may be left in dire circumstances. Not only does the family have to emotionally cope with the loss of their loved one, but they may also struggle to pay their routine bills and unexpected bills arising out of the unexpected death. Fortunately, these families can rest easy knowing a Philadelphia job site injury attorney will be on their side.
Wrongful death lawsuits stemming from workplace accidents have many moving parts. The plaintiff must make several showings including that the employer knew of existing negligent circumstances and that those negligent conditions resulted in the deceased’s death. If these facts are shown during a trial then the plaintiff may be able to recover compensation.
Winnings awarded to the surviving family can go a long way to making life easier. Medical bills and funeral costs can be paid off and the family may be able to get money to replace their loved one’s lost income. Though the emotional pain will likely remain for some time, these recoveries allow families to focus on remembering their loved one instead of stressing over how to pay bills that were unjustly thrust upon them.
The AFL-CIO report is startling. While rules and laws have been established to regulate workplace safety, civil lawsuits are the only way for surviving families to get the compensation they deserve while at the same time punishing negligent employers. Maybe punishing these companies financially will drive them to create the safe work environments workers expect.
Source: MSNBC, “US work-related deaths top 150 a day, finds AFL-CIO report,” Ned Resnikoff, May 8, 2013