CONSTRUCTION WORKERS’ ACCIDENTS: MAN KILLED ON PIPELINE WORKSITE

Construction sites in Illinois and around the world have always involved numerous workers and large pieces of equipment to complete the jobs. With the combination of workers and large equipment, construction workers’ accidents are bound to happen. Fortunately, when accidents do occur, workers are eligible for compensation through employer-provided insurance. One family in a nearby state may be applying for insurance benefits after tragically losing their loved one in a work accident.

The 38-year-old man was on a gas pipeline construction site when the tragic accident occurred. His co-worker was using a large land grader to smooth and pack dirt near where he was working. The investigators believes he was squatting down when he was struck by the grader. Although he was not completely run over, he suffered fatal head injuries.

Initially, his co-workers had hoped that he would survive as he remained conscious immediately following the injury. Sadly, he quickly deteriorated, and it is suspected that he died of a cardiac arrest before emergency workers could transport him to a medical facility. As part of the investigation, an autopsy will be performed, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident. The investigation should reveal if safety codes were violated or if negligence was a factor.

Losing a loved one suddenly is understandably difficult to cope with. Not only may a family lose the victim’s contributing income, but funeral costs add up quickly, adding to financial stress. Although some families may qualify for workers’ compensation death benefits, they may not fully understanding how to file a claim. Illinois attorneys are able to guide families who have lost loved ones to construction workers’ accidents through the process.

Source: statesman.com, “Worker killed in Georgetown construction accident identified,” Collins Walsh, Sept. 3, 2017