Recent workplace accidents: Construction worker killed

Construction accidents in Maryland can arise from a variety of sources. Falls, dropped tools, cranes, overhead power lines, motor vehicles, scaffolding, as well as the use of heavy machinery and equipment are among the most common sources of construction workplace accidents. However, other dangers such as confined spaces, carbon monoxide, trench cave-ins and improper training can also lead to serious and, sometimes, fatal injuries.

A construction accident recently resulted in a worker’s death in another state. The accident happened on a recent Monday in February. It occurred around 2:30 p.m. at a highway construction site.

Police say a 38-year-old Missouri man was at the job site in Minnesota helping unload a large metal pipe from the trailer of a truck. For reasons that are currently unclear, the 2,500 pound pipe became dislodged and fell on top of him. Workers administered first aid immediately until paramedics arrived. However, the worker was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified of the accident, and it is likely that this federal agency — along with the Minnesota State Patrol — will investigate this fatal accident. The workers’ compensation program in the state of Maryland typically provides death benefits to surviving family members of a worker killed on the job — for example, a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. The benefits compensate dependent family members for the loss of financial support. This financial relief is also often used to help ameliorate some of the end-of-life expenses that are typically incurred by a decedent’s family as a result of fatal workplace accidents, including medical bills and burial costs. It is typical to consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to assist with this process.

Source: KSTP.com, “Worker Killed in Minnetonka Construction Accident”, Feb. 21, 2017