Wrongful Death in the Workplace

 Employers are required to make working environments as safe as possible with proper safety equipment and training and machinery and equipment in good repair. Accidents still do occur.  Accidents can be due to negligence on the part of an employer or company. Some employers will not follow proper safety measures (OSHA rules) because they either don’t care- or they place monetary savings as a higher priority than human life. Work-related wrongful deaths can occur as a direct result of a workplace accident, or as the result of serious injuries that resulted from a workplace accident. Approximately 15,000 people die every year from workplace injuries.  

Immediate family of the decedent (spouse and children, or parents if no spouse or children) is usually eligible for worker’s compensation benefits.  These benefits are burial expenses and a percentage of the salary the decedent would make paid out in one sum or distributed weekly. A decedent’s family might also pursue additional monetary compensation by the company or employer being found negligent. If the accident occurred on private property, the property owner could be negligent. Lastly, manufacturers of machinery or equipment could be found negligent in a wrongful death suit if the death is a result of equipment failure (due to faulty design or parts) on the job.

If a loved one died due to work-related injuries, you may be eligible for damages. Call the Sweeney Law Firm and let our experts review the facts to see if you have a work-related wrongful death case.  If we agree to accept your case, there will be no cost to you for representation.  The Sweeney Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if there is a settlement or recovery of funds for you.