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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, and so not only are they forced to make final arrangements suddenly, but they also have fully lost their income. Luckily there are legal measures to help the surviving family members seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows data from recent years that has the US seeing around 5,000 fatal workplace injuries each year. The construction industry alone accounts for nearly a fifth of all those. Some of the most dangerous jobs are amongst the most common in urban areas like Brooklyn.
A fatal injury can occur in nearly any occupation. It takes is an employer or other worker’s negligence, or a dangerous working condition to raise the risk of an accident considerably. This list certainly is not exhaustive, and if your loved one was fatally injured at work, regardless of their occupation, you should reach out to an experienced fatal workplace injury attorney in Brooklyn like Shulman & Hill.
Whether they operate on residential buildings or commercial, roofers are in near-constant danger of a fatal slip or trip and 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.
One of the most needed jobs in the city, the garbage collectors of Brooklyn and other boroughs is another occupation that is at an elevated risk of being fatally injured in a fatal auto accident. Collectors also have a high chance of being struck as a pedestrian while outside the collection truck.
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. This applies to those on sales routes as well, as well as other professions that require driving.
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 is from traffic accidents, followed by fires and explosions.
Responsible for keeping the power flowing and the lights on all over the city, power linemen 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, or be at risk for electrocution.
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 transportation accidents and accidents dealing with objects or equipment.
Workers and contractors for construction companies are frequently dealing with dangerous tools and materials. Whether dealing with building equipment, building finishing, or specialized contractors, they are at an increased risk for fatal injury from slips, trips, and falls.
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 City, there was a decline in fatal occupational injuries from 87 deaths in 2017 to 73 in 2018.
In New York, the most 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 financial damages as well as pain and suffering.
Following a fatal work injury, not only does the worker’s family has 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 really impact the family. When an accident like this occurs, workers’ compensation insurance can help alleviate some of the money troubles that follow.
With everything on your plate after such a loss, it can be hard to navigate through the process of filing for benefits. It is important to get your claim filed quickly, which is where a workers’ compensation lawyer 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 deserve. The professionals at Shulman & Hill will work with your family to ensure you are reimbursed for your damages.
When seeking compensation from a workers’ compensation insurer, you should ensure that you have the experienced legal help you need to recover a fair settlement. The insurance company reports millions in savings to shareholders each quarter by taking advantage of victims without legal counsel.
Our team at Shulman & Hill will leverage our legal muscle to be your fiercest advocate throughout the entire claims process. Your attorney will be your representative whenever you need them. They will be your expert negotiator during the settlement talks, and if you need to advance to litigation they will be at your side in court as well. Contact us online or call 212.221.1000 to learn more.
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