Tag Archives: accident on the job

Accident fatally injures Kansas worker

Kansas residents whose jobs require them to work near highways or busy streets know how hazardous their work environments can be. Constant exposure to speeding cars and other construction site perils put them in danger daily. Because of this danger, it is important for workers to know their legal rights and the options available should anything unfortunate occur on the job.

Sadly, one worker was fatally injured on the job in south-central Kansas recently. The worker, a tow-truck operator, was struck by a vehicle while securing a disabled bus to his truck. He was completing a routine job of towing a tour bus away when a westbound vehicle crushed the worker when he was standing by the trailer of the bus.

When a worker is killed or injured on the job, the company the worker represented may be liable for the damages. If a company fails to provide a safe work environment, or violates any of OSHA’s many regulations, then that company is exhibiting negligence and recklessness. Any examples of recklessness can be used by victims and their families to build a case of employer negligence, allowing them to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits help cover lost wages and medical expenses that have resulted from an accident on the job.

Victims and their families who have suffered as a result of a workplace accident will likely need to review their options. Oftentimes a strong argument can be formed that can ease the burden placed on victims and their families by allowing them to receive the compensation that they are owed by negligent employers.

Source: The Topeka Capital-Journal, “Worker killed in highway hit-and-run,” Phil Anderson, Nov. 6, 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