Workers’ compensation: What if a workplace fatality occurs?

Many Florida households include members who leave their homes to go to work each day. Most people assume they will travel to and from their job sites without any serious, unexpected problems arising. The fact is, however, that some types of work are inherently dangerous, such as construction jobs or fire and rescue missions. Thankfully, most employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance to provide financial benefits to employees who suffer injuries while carrying out their duties in the normal course of an average workday.

Sometimes, it is a spouse who is left to navigate the workers’ comp system if his or her loved one dies in a workplace accident. A workplace fatality occurred on Interstate 95 when a construction worker was pulling a night shift. It was approximately 2 a.m. when a passing vehicle struck another car.

After the collision, the sport utility vehicle that hit the car then swerved into the construction zone where the worker was at the time. The SUV hit the worker, which resulted in serious injuries. Rescuers quickly transported the injured man to a nearby hospital. Sadly, he died some time later.

The workers’ compensation process can be complex when an on-the-job accident results in a worker’s death. An experienced Florida attorney can provide support to a spouse who may be in need of legal guidance in the wake of a workplace tragedy. Cases like this one often lead to civil litigation as well, because the state allows immediate family members to seek restitution from those deemed responsible for their losses.