Brooklyn Fatal Workplace Injury Lawyer

Losing a loved one is hard enough, but when you are grieving the death of a family member because they were injured while at work, the sudden and unexpected loss can devastate a family. In some cases, the family member may have been the sole provider for the family: Not only are families forced to make final arrangements suddenly, but they also have lost a crucial source of income.

There are legal measures to help the surviving family members seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages after a workplace fatality. Contact our Brooklyn lawyers at Shulman & Hill for a free legal consultation to learn more.

Incidence Of Fatal Workplace Accidents

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the U.S. sees around 5,000 fatal workplace injuries each year. The construction industry alone accounts for nearly a fifth of all those fatalities. Some of the most dangerous jobs are common in urban, industrial areas like Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Occupations Where Fatal Injuries Are Common

A fatal injury can occur in nearly any occupation. All it takes is dangerous working conditions and/or a property owner, contractor, or another worker’s negligence to raise the risk of an accident considerably.

The list below is certainly not exhaustive. If your loved one was fatally injured at work, regardless of their occupation, you should reach out to one of Shulman & Hill’s experienced fatal workplace injury attorneys.

Roofers

Whether they operate on residential or commercial buildings, roofers are in near-constant danger of a fatal slip, trip, or fall. They are often going up and down ladders carrying tools and materials, and need to navigate the entire area of the roof while working. The most common fatalities are due to falling off of a roof or ladder.

Sanitation Workers

One of the most needed jobs in any city, Brooklyn’s sanitation workers have an elevated risk of being fatally injured in an auto accident. Sanitation workers also have a high chance of being struck as a pedestrian while outside the collection truck.

Delivery Drivers

With so many stores and businesses in the city, one of the most dangerous occupations to have is a delivery driver. While delivering cargo, food, groceries, or even laundry and other items, drivers are at constant risk of fatal injury from auto crashes.

Firefighters

Keeping the homes and businesses in Brooklyn safe from fire, firefighters are at an increased risk for fatal injury on a daily basis. They work to prevent, control, and extinguish fires in the city. The greatest risk to firefighters are burns and smoke inhalation from fires and explosions. They are also at risk of auto accidents while driving to and from the fire station.

Utility Workers

Responsible for keeping the power flowing and the lights on all over the city, utility workers are generally tasked with the installation and maintenance of both overhead and underground power lines. They operate specialized equipment and vehicles, climb power poles, and otherwise test or maintain city power equipment. They can be exposed to harmful chemicals or substances, and be at risk for electrocution and falls from heights.

Mechanics

Responsible for keeping the backbone of our nation up and running, mechanics are often repairing heavy or dangerous equipment. The most common fatal accidents with mechanics include being struck by vehicles and exposure to harmful chemicals and substances.

Construction Workers

Construction workers frequently use dangerous tools and materials. They are at an increased risk for fatal injury from slips, trips, and falls, particularly if they are working from elevated heights. They may also be struck by a falling object, be injured in a collision with a crane or other piece of heavy machinery, or be exposed to a harmful chemical or substance.

Damages Arising From Fatal Workplace Injuries In Brooklyn

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), between 2015 and 2016 the incidence of workplace fatalities in the United States increased by 7%.

In New York, most workplace-related deaths happen in the construction industry. Nearly half of all construction-related fatalities are from falls, most of which occur during the first two months on the job. In most cases, the victim did not have access to proper safety equipment.

Regardless of how the fatal injury occurs, the family of the deceased worker may be left with multiple financial losses, such as medical and funeral expenses.

How Can Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Help Following A Fatal Injury?

Following a fatal work injury, not only does the worker’s family have to deal with grieving a loved one, but they also have a financial burden to bear as well. In addition to the medical and funeral expenses, the lost wages can negatively affect the family’s future. When an accident like this occurs, workers’ compensation insurance can help alleviate some of the financial troubles that follow.

After such a devastating loss, it can be hard to navigate the process of filing for benefits. It is important to get your claim filed quickly though, which is where a workers’ compensation attorney comes in. These attorneys are experienced in filing claims for their clients and can help you with every step of the process.

If your family is in need of compensation after a loved one was fatally injured at work, an experienced Brooklyn workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the compensation you may be entitled to. The professionals at Shulman & Hill will work with your family to ensure you are reimbursed for every qualified loss.

Why Choose Shulman & Hill?

When seeking compensation from a workers’ compensation insurer, you should ensure that you have the experienced legal help you need to recover benefits. Our team at Shulman & Hill will be your fiercest advocate throughout the entire claims process. Your Brooklyn attorney can handle all correspondence with the insurers, and if you need to present your case to a judge, they will be at your side in court as well.

Contact us online or call 718.852.4700 to learn more.