Workers’ compensation death benefits for Maryland families

Most companies have in place guidelines and procedures to help ensure employees remain safe at work. Laws in Maryland and all other states dictate that employers maintain a certain level of training and perform periodic equipment inspections to help avoid on-the-job injuries. Nevertheless, accidents can and still do occur. To protect Maryland workers, the workers’ compensation insurance program is in place to help victims of on-the-job injuries financially with coverage of medical bills and lost income while recuperating.

An assistant plant manager fell victim to a workplace accident after becoming locked inside a 300-foot kiln. The machine is designed to use extreme heat on clay pots. The 42-year-old father of three became trapped inside while servicing the kiln and the machine engaged. He was found the following morning. The coroners report listed environmental asphyxiation as the cause of death.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the pottery plant company with six willful violations and 21 serious violations. A look back into previous investigations have shown that the company had been cited for similar violations in the past. The company and OSHA reached a settlement of $545,160 and the plant has since rectified the listed safety violations.

Victim of on-the-job accidents may seek workers’ compensation to help cover the financial costs associated with being unable to work. Should an employee become fatally injured, spouses and minor dependent children may be entitled to survivor benefits. A Maryland attorney can help victims and surviving families understand the process of filing a claim to help receive the financial benefits in a timely manner.

Source: ktbs.com, “Agreement reached between Marshall Pottery, OSHA over death“, Robin Y. Richardson, Nov. 30, 2017