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Falling steel joists cause fatality in construction accident

On Behalf of | Mar 2, 2015 | Construction Workers' Accidents, Firm News

Colorado families whose loved ones work in the construction industry are likely always concerned about their safety. Construction workers face a multitude of safety hazards in the line of duty. Even while knowing this, family members can never be prepared for the death of a loved one in a construction accident. Aside from the shock after such an incident, surviving family members may have several concerns and questions about how to proceed in pursuing death benefits to address the unexpected costs that inevitably accompany tragedies of this nature.

The family of a construction worker in another state has to face these challenges after their loved one was killed in a recent workplace accident. It was reported that the worker was a member of a subcontracting team that was installing the roof on a building. A crane was used to hoist the steel joists to the roof, but in the process of attaching them to the crane, they rolled off the vehicle. The worker was apparently struck by some of the heavy joists, and his injuries were fatal.

Although an investigation is reportedly underway to determine the cause of the accident, the surviving family members are entitled to pursue a workers’ compensation claim for death benefits. Compensation typically covers end-of-life expenses and provides some financial aid to enable spouses and dependents to cover living expenses. If another party that was not part of the subcontracting team caused the worker’s death, the family may also be entitled to file a third-party claim in a civil court.

When a Colorado family loses a loved one in similar circumstances, they may choose to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Death benefit claims will be focused on achieving the maximum insurance payout the law allows. The details of the construction accident will be investigated, and a third-party wrongful death claim may be filed in appropriate circumstances. 

Source: CBS New York, “Construction Worker At Barclays Center Hit, Killed By Steel Joist“, Feb. 24, 2015

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