Manhattan Fatal Workplace Injury Lawyer

Losing a loved one is one of the worst experiences you will ever face. When a preventable accident at work causes their death, it can feel even more tragic. Every worker should have the proper tools, training, and environment to do their job safely.

When heartbreaking accidents happen on the job, they should be thoroughly investigated for any potential negligence. If your spouse or loved one lost their life in a workplace injury, you should consult an experienced Manhattan fatal workplace injury lawyer like those at Shulman & Hill.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation legal consultation.

NYC Fatal Workplace Injuries Statistics

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 73 fatal work injuries reported in New York City in 2018 alone. While this number is down from 88 fatalities in 2017, if you are one of the victims’ family members you would likely agree that one death is too many.

Here are the most common types of fatal workplace injuries that occurred in 2018 in Manhattan:

• Contact with objects and equipment
• Falls, slips, and trips
• Transportation incidents
• Exposure to harmful substances or environments
• Violence

The highest number of fatal workplace injuries occurred in the private construction industry. Occupations involving transportation, delivery, and protective services also reported a high number of worker fatalities.

Can a Family Pursue Compensation After a Fatal Workplace Injury?

If you lost a loved one due to a workplace accident, it is understandable to not know what the next step should be. Many people do not realize that workers’ compensation provides something called death benefits for eligible beneficiaries. These can be awarded if the decedent passed away from a workplace-related injury or illness.

Regardless of whether or not negligence may have been involved, the majority of families will be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits. When pursuing workers’ compensation, there is no need to prove that the death was due to the negligence of anyone else. The only thing that must be proven is whether the death was caused by a fatal accident that happened on the job or due to a work-related illness.

Sometimes a work-related illness, like a cancer diagnosis, can take months or years to appear. However, if you can show that their illness was caused by their working conditions—they were exposed to harmful chemicals, for example—you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits.

If the employer or the insurance company attempts to dispute whether the death was work-related, a fatal workplace injury lawyer can help defend your claim and gather evidence showing why you are entitled to survivor benefits. This can particularly be helpful when pursuing benefits after a work-related illness.

Can I Sue For Wrongful Death in Manhattan?

Workers’ compensation insurance protects employers from being sued by employees for injuries or deaths that happen on the job. However, if an injury or death is caused by a third party’s negligence, including a property owner or contractor, a loved one could potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold them financially responsible for their losses. Examples of a third party’s negligence include failure to provide adequate safety gear, failure to maintain safe premises, or failure to properly maintain equipment.

In order to file a lawsuit, you will need to prove that the decedent died as a result of another party’s negligence. A personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence that shows this was the case. They will review surveillance camera footage, interview witnesses, talk to experts, and more in order to support your claim.

Why Choose a Manhattan Workplace Injury Lawyer?

A death in your family can leave a tremendous financial burden on the surviving family members. Fortunately, the law recognizes and allows families to seek financial assistance in the aftermath of a fatal workplace accident.

Workers’ compensation death benefits exist to ease the financial impact of a sudden, unexpected death by helping to pay for outstanding medical costs, funeral costs, and other expenses. A wrongful death lawsuit can help recover additional compensation for non-economic losses, including the value of parental nurturing to surviving children and the pain and suffering endured by the deceased before they passed.

At Shulman & Hill, we know how immense your suffering must be when you lose someone close to you. Families do not need undue financial hardship when they are coping with emotional pain and trauma after a tragic death. Our legal team is very familiar with all of the expenses and financial loose ends that exist after a loved one passes. When you choose our Manhattan law firm, our team of attorneys can work tirelessly to ensure that your family is taken care of financially.

Why Hire Shulman & Hill?

Our compassionate lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies and explore every legal avenue possible to help your family in their time of need. We can take care of the complex claims and litigation process so that your family can begin to heal. We do not believe your financial situation should prevent you from seeking justice which is why we work on a contingency-fee-basis. This means that you only pay for our services if you win your case.

If someone you love has passed away from a workplace injury or illness, do not hesitate to call the lawyers at Shulman & Hill at 212.221.1000. You can also schedule a free legal consultation online.