Annapolis Personal Injury Law Blog
Almost all jobs involve some degree of risk. Even jobs that are seemingly completely safe could result in the need for treatment for injuries suffered on-the-job. In order to help workers and their families in the event of a workplace accident, states such as Maryland require most employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits. The family of a man who was killed recently while working likely qualifies for such benefits.
The man was killed in late December. According to reports, he was driving a dump truck for Reynolds Excavating. Unfortunately, the truck flipped and fell into a ravine. Although the man was transported to an area hospital for treatment, he died from his injuries.
At this time, it is unclear what caused the accident. However, the incident is being investigated by several organizations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. If the OSHA determines that safety and health standards were violated in connection with the accident, they could levy fines against the company in an attempt to prevent future violations.
While it may provide some solace to family members of the deceased man to know that efforts are being made to ensure other employees do not suffer the same fate, they likely have other concerns to work through as well. In addition to their grief, they may have to cope with medical bills, funeral costs and/or lost wages. Since Maryland requires workers’ compensation in the event of a work-related accident, the man’s family may well qualify for death benefits. Some people entitled to this type of coverage have found it beneficial to seek assistance while going through the process in order to ensure they receive all of the benefits to which they are entitled in a timely manner.
Source: The Washington Post, State, feds investigate dump truck accident, No author, Dec. 31, 2013
