Construction and the building trades are major sources of employment in Texas. Workers who are employed in these jobs take great pride in their work and understand the dangers they face when doing it. There is heavy equipment, a great deal of movement, the need for coordination and everyone must pay attention to make certain that all are completely safe. With any construction work whether it is on a high-rise building and well up into the sky or on the ground, there is always a chance that a fatal accident will happen. Families who have lost a loved one in a fatal workplace accident should know what they must do in the aftermath to seek compensation in a wrongful death case.
A 38-year-old construction worker died after being injured when he was hit by a construction machine. The accident happened at around 5 p.m. as workers were working on a pipeline. There were approximately 20 workers on the site at the time. The pipeline was completed and had been covered by soil. Dirt was being smoothed over the new pipeline when the worker was hit. It is believed that the operator of the machine did not see him. Initially, the man survived, but died after medical personnel had arrived. An investigation is ongoing and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are part of the case.
When there is a fatal workplace accident, the family left behind must consider all aspects of the situation. First, there is the emotional impact after the loss of a loved one. There are also funeral expenses. After that, the reality sets in not just that their loved one is not around anymore, but that person’s contributions – financial, personal and more – are not there any longer either. Many different aspects will be part of a potential legal case such as compensation for damages, lost wages, the pain and suffering the loved one endured and more. Having legal assistance is essential to investigate the case from the perspective of the family and help with a case.
In this fatal workplace accident, a construction worker was hit by a machine. He survived in the immediate aftermath, but later died. As the investigation moves forward, his family must make certain that they are fully protected. An offer of an insurance settlement is unlikely to cover all they have lost. They should discuss a possible case with an attorney immediately to consider a lawsuit.
Source: kxan.com, “Worker who died in WilCo pipeline construction accident identified,” Jerry Becker, Sept. 2, 2017
