Monthly Archives: December 2013

Mill worker killed in tragic accident

Kansas residents are hard workers. They know the challenges of a hard day’s work as well as the hazards of day-to-day life in a difficult working environment. Some workers risk their lives every day to get their jobs done, knowing full well that accidents and tragedies could occur at any time. Some Kansas residents may not be aware, however, of the options available for someone who is hurt while performing their duties in their work environment, as well as for the families of loved ones left to suffer with the tragedy of losing a loved one at work.

A man suffered fatal injuries at a mill that had employed him for more than three years. In a tragic turn of events, the man was called in to work on his day off. In the afternoon, while finishing his shift, the man was loading an extractor — a machine that dries fabric. The machine spins rapidly to dry the fabric and the man was pulled into the rapidly spinning machine. Family members are reportedly demanding answers for what caused the accident. The cause is currently under investigation.

Employees are protected by certain rights — rights that come into play when they anyone is involved in workplace accidents. Wage benefits and medical benefits may be owed to victims and families of victims who have been injured or killed on the job. This usually comes in the form of workers’ compensation, which offers a remedy for injured workers. Sometimes victims may also choose to pursue a product liability claim if the injury or death was caused by a faulty product or manufacturing error. There are options for workers and their families, and it is prudent for anyone in these situations to learn of these options and plan accordingly.

Source: Fox 8, “Randleman man dies in workplace accident,” Stephanie Ando, Dec. 16, 2013

Industrial accident results in fatal injuries for worker

Kansas residents know that some work environments are, unfortunately, more hazardous than others. Accidents can occur at any type of job, but some occupations put employees at an increased risk of danger than others. Industrial and construction jobs are examples of these types of high-risk work environments, and it is vital that employees in these types of professions, as well as loved ones of these workers, are aware of their legal rights in regards to work-related injuries and deaths.

Tragically, an industrial worker was killed recently at a plant on the east coast. Police pronounced the man dead on the scene after a steel beam weighing 12,000 pounds fell onto the man. The victim’s family was able to identify him following the accident. According to reports from a preliminary investigation, the fatal injury appeared to be caused by a work accident, with no foul play involved. This was the second accident in the area involving an industrial worker within just five days.

The frequency of accidents in these types of professions makes it vital for workers and their families to be aware of the options available should injury or death occur. Even in cases when the employer was not at fault, victims can pursue benefits in the form of workers’ compensation should a workplace injury occur.

This remedy is often sought by injured workers. By filing a workers’ compensation claim, the victim or their families may seek the vital financial resources they need during a troubled time in their lives. Knowing one’s legal rights can help victims pursue the best option available.

Source: boston.com, “Man killed in industrial accident in East Boston,” Derek J. Anderson, Dec. 9, 2013

Man suffers fatal injuries after quarry accident in Kansas

Tragedies that occur on the job involve unique laws. Any injury that is considered work related offers the potential for employees to claim benefits. In addition, any fatality that occurs on the job allows loved ones to apply for similar benefits. Though nothing can undo the physical and mental damages inflicted on victims and their families, compensation can help alleviate some of the financial strain.

A man passed away recently due to the fatal injuries he suffered while on the job. As a quarry worker in Kansas, the 63-year-old man was working for a local company helping to handle explosives being used to detonate rocks. Tragically, the man stood too near to the detonation area when a large limestone rock, along with other smaller rocks, struck him following the blast. After being discovered by fellow employees, emergency responders rushed to the scene where they found the man to be unresponsive. They pronounced him as dead. The investigation is ongoing, but a preliminary investigation is claiming that the fatality was the result of a work-related accident.

Fatalities resulting from workplace accidents are tragic affairs and can cause a victim’s loved ones great pain and suffering. As if this mental anguish was not painful enough, the families of victims often find themselves having to suffer costs from medical expenses, transportation, lost wages and other expenses.

Thankfully, the loved ones of victims have a chance to be compensated for their loss. When it comes to workers’ compensation, there are many laws involved, some of them complex. However, there are legal professionals available to help guide loved ones and victims through this process.

Source: The Topeka Capital-Journal, “Manhattan man killed in quarry blast,” Phil Anderson, Dec. 5, 2013

Report shows decrease in workplace injuries, increase in severity

According to a recent report, the rate in which non-fatal work injuries and illnesses occur across the U.S. has declined. The severity of these injuries, however, has increased.

In 2011, 117 cases per 10,000 full-time workers had to stay home from work as a result of a workplace injury or illness. This number decreased in 2012, as only 112 cases per 10,000 spent days away from work. Though this shows a decrease in the amount of serious workplace injuries — serious, in this case, defined as an injury that requires days away from work — other numbers show an increase in the severity of these injuries.

In the report, severity is measured by the average days a worker is required to spend away from work. The severity of injuries appears to be trending upwards, as a median of eight days was reported in 2011, while that number increased to nine in 2012.

Severe workplace injuries can have devastating effects for an employee. They may require days — if not weeks, months or years — away for work, which oftentimes results in lost wages. Lost wages can have an enormous impact on the injured worker’s pocketbook, making it difficult to cover necessary expenses and the medical costs associated with workplace injuries.

Thankfully, employees injured as the result of a workplace accident have a chance to receive help covering medical costs and lost wages. Workers’ compensation allows workers in such situations to apply for compensation. This compensation provides workers with an exclusive remedy — but first, these employees must file a claim and follow guidelines which determine eligibility.

Source: Tire Business, “U.S. workplace injury rate declines but severity up,” Nov. 27, 2013