Tree service worker electrocuted on job

As with every other state in the U.S., Kansas requires employers to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. For the many who work in high-risk environments, this statute is of great importance because of the hazards and injuries these workers are exposed to daily.

One high-risk profession is that of a tree service worker. Tree service workers are expected to work at dangerous heights; they need extensive training, and have to use safety equipment to minimize the already high-risk of injury; and what’s more, they are constantly exposed to electrical hazards — power lines and electrical conductors come into play in their day-to-day work lives.

Recently, two tree service workers were injured on the job. While working on a home, one of the workers accidentally made contact with a power line. This caused the worker to receive an electrical shock, which jolted him from the ladder he was standing on. He fell, and his colleague tried to catch him. The man’s colleague suffered leg injuries as a result; the first man suffered fall injuries, and burns from the electrical shock.

Sadly, these kinds of injuries are all too common in high-risk work environments. But thankfully, workers’ compensation exists to help ease the burden of such incidents. Workers’ compensation covers a number of expenses, including replacement income and medical care. Any permanent injuries will be compensated, as well as benefits to survivors who have lost loved ones on the job. To make sure one receives the compensation for which they are entitled, there are legal professionals available to analyze one’s case and ensure that every right is covered.

Source: News Times, “2 tree service workers injured in NJ accident,” Nov. 3, 2013

Building collapse injures construction worker

Kansas residents have read multiple posts in this blog pertaining to injuries that happen in the workplace. While injuries can happen at any time and for a variety of reasons, there are some professions that have unique and special rules when it comes to injuries due to the dangerous nature of the profession. One of these professions are construction workers. Kansas residents should understand their legal rights, should a construction site accident occur.

Recently, construction workers were working on repairing a home when the back wall of the four family home collapsed. One of the construction workers fell when the collapse occurred and then suffered additional injuries as he was hit by falling bricks and other debris. He was transported a hospital and his condition is unknown as this time.

Injured construction workers will likely have a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The procedure for the filing of a workers’ compensation claim is very similar to filing any other type of insurance claim. Once the claim has been approved, the injured worker will receive compensation pertaining to all their medical bills, including prescribed medication and even gas mileage to and from medical appointments or follow-up procedures. If a worker is temporarily or permanent disability due to the injuries, workers’ compensation will provide compensation to the injured individual.

Similar to other types of insurance claims, workers’ compensation claims can be met with some of the same challenges. Employers may try to fight the claim. In some cases, employers may try to argue that the injury did not happen while the individual was on the job. In other cases, employers may try to argue that the injury occurred as a result of negligence or recklessness on behalf of the employee. In such circumstances, it may be beneficial to have the expert guidance of an experienced workers’ compensation legal professional.

Source: KMOV St. Louis, “Worker injured after building collapses in north St. Louis,” Oct. 23, 2013

Highway worker injured by drunk driver

Kansas residents know that certain occupations can pose a higher risk of injuries than others. However, nearly all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance so that any worker who is injured while on the job has an opportunity to receive financial compensation for their injuries. Certain occupations pose a higher risk of injuries than others. Many Kansas drivers have probably seen signs posted in construction zones warning drivers to slow down and use caution. These signs help protect the safety of the construction workers working on the road.

Even in non-construction areas, accidents on highways and roadways are a common occurrence. Drivers cause accidents all the time due to a variety of circumstances. Sometimes drivers are impaired, other times individuals are just not paying attention. Car accidents always have the potential to cause injury or damage but the risk for injury is greatly heightened when the accident involved a highway construction worker.

Recently, a worker in Indiana was working in a construction zone on the highway when he was struck by a man in a pick-up truck. The driver of the truck ran through two orange barrels that were in place to alert drivers to construction on the highway. The truck traveled over 1,500 feet in the closed lane before rear-ending a truck that belonged to employees of an asphalt company that was hired to do the work on the road.

One of the workers was transported to a local hospital and was treated for rib and internal injuries. The driver of the truck was found to have a blood-alcohol level of 0.54 percent, which is well over the legal limit. He faces multiple criminal charges related to the accident.

In addition to civil charges that may be pursued against this type of negligent driver, an injured worker may also be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits from his employer from injuries sustained during the course of employment. This compensation can help with medical bills, lost wages, as well as any necessary rehabilitation that is required due to the injuries suffered. Experienced worker’s compensation legal professionals can assist Kansas residents who have been injured while working on the job and ensure that they receive all the compensation to which they are entitled.

Source: The Tribune Star, “Workers injured by impaired driver,” Clarence Williams, Oct. 11, 2013

Construction worker suffers injury on the job

Kansas residents may work in a variety of different work environments. Whether an individual works behind a desk or on top of a building, accidents can happen on the job at any time. All Kansas workers should know what their rights are should an accident on the job occur.

Construction workers are often times exposed to dangerous work environments as part of their everyday job duties and responsibilities. Recently, a construction worker was seriously injured as he was working on a project for the National Museum of Africa-American History and Culture on the Mall. The worker suffered a scaffolding fall while he was working at the construction site. He fell about 20 feet and was immediately taken to the hospital in serious condition.

Whenever a worker is injured on the job, they will be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Most individuals may think workers are only eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they were injured while performing work specifically for the job; however, there are also additional certain circumstances where an employer is also eligible to receive benefits. These situations can include company parties and other social events that are sponsored by the company, but not necessarily held on company property.

There are some situations in which employers may deny workers’ compensation benefits. These are situations where the worker was not behaving in accordance with workplace safety guidelines, or if alcohol or horseplay was involved in the accident. Having the experience and expertise of a legal professional who specializes in workers’ compensation claims can be helpful to individuals who have suffered an injury while on the job. They will serve as the employee’s advocate and ensure they receive all the compensation to which they are entitled.

Source: The Washington Post, “Construction worker injured in fall by the Mall,” Clarence Williams, Oct. 16, 2013

Workers’ compensation on the rise for U.S. postal workers

When Kansas residents think of injuries occurring in the workplace, they may often think of construction workers, bricklayers and miners as being some of the most dangerous occupations. However, recent reports indicate that United States’ postal workers have a demanding job as well, resulting in an increased number of injuries and increased workers’ compensation insurance.

The Government Accountability Office has reported that in 2012, there were over 32,000 injuries reported by employees of the postal service. In addition, the cost of workers’ compensation increased nearly 70% between 2009 and 2012. Workers compensation insurance for 2012 amounted to $3.7 billion.

While the postal worker’s job may seem relatively safe, many injuries are reported due the extremely physical and repetitive nature of the job. Also, while the nature of the work may be repetitive, there are many different ways a postal worker may injured. Injuries occurring from dog bites, falls and collisions with vehicles were all reported. For postal workers, the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act provides funding for medical benefits to workers who suffer both permanent and temporary disabilities.

There may be Kansas workers who are not employed by the federal government, but who become injured on the job. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits are mandated by every state and can provide for medical expenses, training for new positions, as well as compensation for any permanent injuries that are suffered. One does not have to be in a dangerous job to collect workers compensation benefits.

Any Kansas resident who has been injured on the job may benefit from the expertise and guidance of experienced workers’ compensation legal professionals. They will ensure that the injured worker receives all the compensation to which they are entitled.

Source: Insurance Journal, “Neither Rain Nor Sleet But Dog Bites: Post Office Workers’ Injury Claims,” Sept. 27, 2013

Worker suffers multiple injuries on the job

Kansas residents work hard. Whether one works in a factory, on a construction site or behind a desk, on-the-job injuries happen all the time. Accidents can occur due to negligence of the employer or they can occur for no reason at all. Regardless of the circumstances, Kansas workers will have a claim for workers’ compensation to assist with injuries sustained while working on the job.

An oil company worker for Hydrostatic Oil Field Testing Inc. has suffered multiple injuries after being trapped on a derrick. The worker was trapped when parts of the structure began to fall apart. It took rescue workers two hours to free the employee. Rescue workers had to strap a harness to the man and lower him from the broken platform to the ground.

The worker is approximately 35 years of age and suffered both leg injuries and arm injuries from the accident. He was flown by helicopter to Texarkana hospital to be treated for his injuries.

When a worker suffers an on-the-job injury, they are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are mandated by every state. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to cover injuries that are sustained do to the negligence or carelessness of the employer, as well as the employee. Workers’ compensation does not cover the pain and suffering of the victim, but will cover medical expenses and permanent disabilities that the injured worker has suffered. However, by filing a workers’ compensation claim, one can be precluded from filing a personal injury lawsuit against their employer.

There are benefits to filing a workers’ compensation claim, as well as a personal injury lawsuit. Experienced workers compensation legal professional can assess the specific details of one’s unique case and determine what the proper course of action would be to ensure the victims receives everything to which they are entitled.

Source: Arkansas Online, “Worker injured after oil derrick breaks in Miller County“, Sept. 23, 2013

Kansas construction worker injured in fall

Kansas residents know that accidents can happen at any time at any place. These accidents might occur the roads, in public places or at one’s place of employment. When an injury results from an accident at the workplace, it is important that individuals understand all their legal rights going forward with their case.

Of all places of employment, construction sites are one of the most common places for injuries. Construction site accidents can occur, even if all available precautions are observed. A Kansas construction worker was working in Olathe when he fell from the home he was working on. Firefighters who responded to the 911 call indicated that the worker fell all the way to the basement of the home and suffered serious injuries as a result of the fall.

When a worker is injured at a construction site, there are a number of individuals that could be potentially liable to the injured worker for the injuries they sustained. The individuals responsible can include the engineers and architects of the site, the contractor, including the primary and sub, as well as the site owner. In order to determine who is responsible in a particular case, it is important to understand the roles and responsibilities of each party for each individual project.

Construction site accidents will often involve a lot of fact-finding and require detailed analysis to determine all the responsible parties and their liabilities. There will also be a need for the injured party to have a thorough examination of the site where the accident occurred. Experienced legal professionals with an expertise in construction site accidents would be beneficial for individuals who have been injured at a construction site. The legal professional will ensure that the victim receives all the compensation to which they are entitled.

Source: KMBC News, “Worker injured in fall at Olathe home under construction“, Sept. 19, 2013

Company must answer for death of worker and pay millions in fines

Kansas residents should pay close attention to a case involving a plant in South Dakota. In the news, individuals often hear of injuries or even death occurring at various places of employment. However, this most recent case should prove to be illustrative for both employees and employers.

Adams Thermal Systems is a company that manufactures cooling systems for engines in both highway and off-highway vehicles. In 2011, an employee of the company was tragically killed in workplace related accident due to the company’s failure to provide a safe working environment. The worker was instructed by management to bypass a security measure in order to keep a machine that makes radiator cores running. The worker was crushed in the machine.

The company has finally reached a an agreement with both the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Attorney’s office to pay just over $1.3 million in fines and criminal penalties as a result of the death of their employee. The settlement is composed of $450,000 which will go the widow of the deceased spouse, a criminal fine of an additional $450,000 and an OHSA fine of $435,000 as a result of over 66 violations.

When a workplace accident or death occur, the employer is liable to the injured worker or their family in the form of worker’s compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits are both state and federal mandated. These benefits not only cover the negligence or carelessness of an employer, as in the above case, but it also covers instances where it is the employee who was being negligent. There are certain limits to worker’s compensation and employers may try to deny claims in particular situations, including ones involving drug or alcohol use by their employee.

Kansas residents who have been injured on the job should immediately file a claim for worker’s compensation benefits. Experienced legal professionals are available to assist victims and make sure that they receive all the compensation to which they are entitled and that they employer is brought to justice.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, “Adams Thermal Systems to pay $1.33 million to resolve OSHA citations, criminal penalties in 2011 death of worker at South Dakota plant,” Sept. 5, 2013

Construction accidents can happen anywhere

Kansas residents know that some professions are more dangerous than others. However, when one is a construction worker, the worker is often exposed to unfamiliar surroundings. This fact, coupled with the dangerous nature of construction in general can sometimes lead to serious accidents and injuries.

Recently, a construction worker was badly injured while working on a job at a college university campus. The construction worker had to be taken away in an ambulance after he fell from a basket lift. Luckily, the worker was wearing a harness which kept him from falling and hitting the ground.

As one can see, construction accidents can happen at any time and any place. Even the most organized and secure construction site can give way to accidents. Even when an individuals is using extreme care and caution, construction site injuries can occur. It is for this reason that employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If a worker is injured on the job, the insurance company will likely pay for the injured workers’ medical expenses, as well as additional permanent disability benefits if the injuries prevent the worker from ever returning to his normal duties.

Insurance companies may fight the payment of benefits, as not all injuries are covered under workers compensation. Injuries suffered while driving to or from work are typically not covered, as well as some injuries that are suffered while not performing one’s regular work duties. Experienced legal professionals are available to make sure any Kansas resident who as suffered an injury on the job receives all the benefits to which they are entitled.

Source: Fox 6 News, “Construction worker injured in accident at UA“, Sept. 5, 2013

Construction accident leaves worker seriously injured

When Kansas residents drive along roadways and see beautiful buildings, hotels and office spaces, they don’t often think of the construction worker who spent long, hard, laboring hours creating the structure. Construction workers are often underappreciated and unfortunately in one of the more dangerous professions for workplace accidents.

Recently, a construction worker was seriously injured while working on the job. The 40 year-old man suffered nearly a complete amputation of his leg after a piece of heavy equipment fell. He was flown by medical helicopter to a local hospital. He was admitted to the hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to survive. A firefighter who responded on the scene was also injured and treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.

Construction accidents are much more common than in other professions. While the risk of construction worker accidents is increased due to the nature of the work, all employees who are injured in the workplace will be entitled to compensation from their employer. Workers compensation benefits entitle the injured worker to lost wages while recovering from the injury, medical expenses, as well as compensation benefits if the worker is permanently incapacitated and cannot continue in his normal job duties.

There are some instances, however, when an injured worker will be unable to collect workers’ compensation benefits. Examples can include injuries that the employee suffered while driving to or from work, or certain instances where the employee was not following workplace safety policies. It is important to note that even if the employee was not physically in his regular work environment when the injury occured, he is still eligible for worker’s compensation benefits if he was injured by performing a task connected to his or her job.

Any Kansas resident who has been injured in the workplace needs to make sure they understand all their available legal options. Experienced employment law legal professionals can analyze the details in a specific case and help determine what the best solution would be.

Source: Wusa 9 News, “Worker seriously injured in construction accident“, August 22, 2013