Monthly Archives: February 2014

Two construction workers electrocuted, killed on the job

Any Kansas resident who has worked construction is likely familiar with the extensive safety training that is required as most construction sites. This safety training is necessary because construction sites are highly hazardous environments and the risk of an accident is almost always sky-high. Yet even with all of this safety training, and the many precautions that workers are often legally required to take, accidents can still occur and the results can be catastrophic. Falling debris, malfunctioning machinery and unstable scaffolding put workers at constant risk of being injured – or worse, killed – in a work-related accident.

According to police reports, two men were recently killed in a construction accident. One of the men, age 55, was the owner of a construction company and the other, age 22, was an employee. Both were on company property when the accident took place.

The accident occurred when a dump truck made contact with live wires, according to reports. After raising its big rig to clean out snow that had gathered, the truck became electrified and the driver, after walking outside of the truck, touched the big rig and received a lethal electric shock. The owner of the construction company came rushing to help the man and he too touched the truck and was electrocuted. The two men suffered electric burns and shock and medics were unable to save them.

Considering how dangerous construction sites can be, it can be helpful for workers and their families to be familiar with their rights and the options available to them should an accident occur. One such option is workers’ compensation, which in some cases offers exclusive remedy to victims and their families after an accident occurs. Learning about workers’ compensation can help victims and their families decide whether or not it is the best option to pursue, or if other legal action is more appropriate.

Source: NBC Connecticut, “2 Electrocuted, Killed in South Windsor Construction Accident,” Feb. 19, 2014

Man sustains multiple injuries in agriculture workplace accident

As many Kansas residents can likely attest to, work is often built around routine. Most people go to their jobs and have a routine that allows them to get into a workflow. Workplace accidents are abrupt, unexpected interruptions to a person’s routine that can change a worker’s life in an instant. Especially in jobs that require the use of tools and machinery, there is always the chance that a mishap could happen at any moment and devastate employees and their families.

A recent workplace accident had devastating results for a man and his wife and kids. It is likely that neither he nor his wife could have foreseen the tragedy that befell him while he was on the job. He was severely injured after an accident occurred at his place of employment. He was grinding corn, as was his duty at work, when his clothing suddenly got tangled in a power takeoff shaft of the grinder. As a result, the worker’s body was violently thrashed about and his midsection and lower body were crushed in the grinder.

Among his injuries were several broken bones including both of his femurs, his right foot, left ankle, right forearm and a number of ribs. He suffered severe bruising to his spleen, diaphragm and lungs. Because of his injuries, it is expected that he will be hospitalized for up to two months. The resulting medical expenses have been difficult for the family to deal with. He may have to wait up to a year to fully recover.

Medical expenses and time away from work can devastate a family financially. This is why when someone is hurt on the job; there is often the option of pursuing workers’ compensation to help the family recover some of these costs. Workers’ compensation offers exclusive remedy in some cases and can help victims in their recoveries. It is helpful for employees to know their rights and the options available to them.

Source: Rapid City Journal, “Newell man recovering from horrific work accident,” Colleen Brunner, Feb. 15, 2014

Industrial accident causes worker fatal injuries

Many Kansas residents likely received some form of safety training when they start working. Most jobs require employees to partake in such training. Yet even with safety training and an understanding of the dangers in a work environment, no one expects an accident to occur. When a worker is injured or killed in an accident, victims and their families may be left wondering what options are available to them.

In what must have been and unexpected and tragic occurrence, a worker was killed in an industrial accident recently. He was a contract worker doing a job at a castings plant that was under construction. While he was installing heating and air conditioning in the castings plant, a pipe exploded and fatally injured the man. An investigation into the castings plant revealed that the company had been cited for two prior violations, both of which were considered severe. Authorities are continuing to investigate the accident.

Accidents of this nature — that is, industrial accidents — are usually thoroughly investigated. Investigators hope to uncover who was at fault in the accident. Workers are protected by certain rights and can use investigation results to help determine what legal action may be appropriate. In many cases, a workers’ compensation may be worth pursuing in order to protect an injury victim and a family from the medical expenses, lost wages and other financial shocks that can come in the wake of an accident.

Each situation is unique and requires a thorough analysis that puts the evidence together to help determine what a victim may be entitled to. With diligence and a thorough understanding of the legalities involved, victims can often pursue full and fair compensation.

Source: WSOCTV, “Officials: Man dies after pipe explodes at plant,” Jan. 31, 2014