Losing loved ones in workplace accidents is not something wished upon anybody. Along with the trauma and the need to grieve, additional financial hardship may be experienced. This applies particularly if the deceased worker was the breadwinner. Fortunately, the New York workers’ compensation insurance program offers assistance for surviving family members of workers who died in on-the-job accidents.
A tragic industrial accident recently that claimed the lives of two employees of a distribution center in Lockport. According to a spokesperson of the sheriff’s office, the 38-year-old and 62-year-old men were unloading a trailer load of Corian slabs when the accident occurred. Under unknown circumstances, the men became trapped under the load.
Reportedly, Corian is a product similar to granite, and it is used for primarily for countertops. According to the deputies who responded to the emergency call, both men had already succumbed to their injuries when they arrived. The combined weight of the 11 slabs that trapped the workers was approximately 9,000 pounds. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an investigation.
When New York workers are killed in workplace accidents, their surviving family members may pursue financial assistance to help with the unanticipated costs of funerals and burials. The workers’ compensation death benefits that are typically available will cover those costs along with a percentage of lost wages. This income-replacement package will be based on the average weekly wage of the deceased worker, and it will be paid for a predetermined period. Families are free to use the support and guidance of an experienced attorney to facilitate the claims process.
