Statistically speaking, Massachusetts and other New England states look pretty good when it comes to tallying the number of annual workplace deaths. New England fatalities amounted to only 3 percent of the 4,547 workplace deaths that occurred nationwide in 2010, and 51 deaths in Massachusetts is the lowest total in the state since 2002.
However, no matter how encouraging the decline is, one workplace death is one death too many. Each wrongful death not only ends a life prematurely, it causes devastation to that person's family, friends and co-workers, forever changing the paths their lives were taking. When analyzing totals by age, 45-54 year olds die more often in the workplace than other age groups, often leaving behind young families, siblings and parents.
The construction industry accounts for a majority of the nation's workplace deaths with transportation and material-moving jobs a close second. Eighty percent of work-related fatalities in Massachusetts happen due to:
- Falls
- Transportation incidents
- Assaults and violent acts
Many workplace deaths are covered by employers' workers' compensation insurance policies. Through these insurance policies, death benefits are typically available to a surviving spouse, minor children or other qualifying dependants of the deceased worker. Such benefits include weekly benefits and periodic cost of living adjustments, and the benefits continue as long as the survivor remains dependant. If a spouse remarries, only the dependent children may continue to collect benefits.
When the injury or illness that resulted in the worker's death was caused by defective equipment or because of employer negligence, other legal actions may be necessary and punitive damages against the employer may be imposed.
If you have lost someone due to a workplace injury or experienced a death in your workplace, consider seeking the help of a personal injury attorney with experience in workplace injuries. Whether you are an employer or a dependent of the victim of a work-related injury, taking appropriate legal steps can help you preserve your rights.
