Illinois miner dies at work

healyscanlonveugelergannon • May 18, 2014

A worker can suffer a workplace accident from a variety of causes, including falls from heights or defective roof structures, or machinery or while working with dangerous tools. But, it is a tragedy if a worker dies from a workplace accident.

In  Illinois construction site injuries  and other fatal accidents do occur from time to time, which is why workers, along with their family members, ought to be aware of their legal rights and entitlements in case of such an accident and how best to structure their claim so as to have the maximum chance of success. A recent fatality of a young coal miner is a prime example.

Caught between a mine and a coal rib, the miner suffered internal bleeding and blunt force trauma. The incident is currently being investigated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. This same workplace had also witnessed the death of another miner a few months back. This may raise some pertinent questions about the degree of adherence to workplace safety protocols in that complex.

In case of such fatal accidents, not only do the members of the worker’s family suffer the traumatic experience of losing a loved one, but they also lose a source of income and often incur considerable medical expenses, as well as lost wages, which collectively subjects them to financial hardship in the process. Therefore, when a worker meets with a fatal accident at his workplace, his family members may be entitled to receive compensation from the employer, especially if the death was due to negligence or lack of foresight on the employer’s part.

Source:  kmov.com, “Coal miner, 25, dies in southern Illinois,” May 16, 2014

December 11, 2024
Kevin Veugeler secured a $3.2 million recovery plus a waiver of $750,000 in Workers' Compensation benefits for a Sprinkler Fitter who fell from a ladder. While litigating this case, Kevin was able to show that the general contractor and owner of the jobsite failed to follow their own site-specific safety plan to protect the safety of their subcontractors. Through documents and deposition testimony, Kevin was able to establish that the general contractor and owner failed to provide a safe place to work. If you, a friend or a family member have been injured, please contact Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon for a free consultation.
December 11, 2024
Matthew Gannon secured an $8.55 million dollar settlement for a construction laborer who suffered a crush injury involving multiple fractures of his leg. Matthew obtained evidence that the general contractor in charge of the work site failed to appropriately stage the phases of work during construction. In addition, Matthew uncovered evidence that the equipment that caused the injury was not being properly supervised at the time of the occurrence. If you, a friend or a family member have been injured, please contact Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon for a free consultation.