While many jobs present significant risk to workers, it isn’t likely that most Georgia employees expect to die on the job. Sadly, this happens all too often, and there may even be times when an employee’s company is at least partially responsible. One recent out-of-state fatality may be the result of just that, according to authorities who are now trying to locate the worker’s family. Once they do, that family may be looking at financial hardship, in addition to emotional strain, though they may be able to collect workers’ compensation to ease their burden.
Reports say that the accident happened on a recent early weekday morning. A construction worker on the roof of a middle school fell about 30 feet, causing him serious injury. Although first responders were quickly on the scene, the worker died as a result of the accident. It is not clear whether he passed at the scene of the accident or later at a medical facility.
What is clear is that local police say they will be conducting a full investigation into exactly what took place to cause this tragedy. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration may also investigate this incident to determine whether the man’s employer was liable in any way for what happened. The school district stated that it is more than willing to comply, and school representatives have already publicly extended sympathy to the victim’s family. Authorities have not yet revealed the man’s identity, presumably so they can inform his family of what happened.
The victim’s family may not realize it, but they may have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are available to many employees who have received injuries on the job, and they can even extend to an employee’s loved ones in the event of his or her death at work. Georgia employees who wonder if this option is available to them may want to consult an attorney who understands the different facets of this type of legal issue.