Workers’ compensation laws exist in Illinois for the benefit of workers who have been injured or killed on the job in our state. Recently one man died as he worked on a road construction project in a local city. The man was reportedly run over by a bulldozer while on the job site. Pending the results of the ongoing investigation, his survivors may be able to make a claim to our state’s workers’ compensation board.
The accident that took the life of the Illinois worker happened on US Route 24. Investigating authorities, including state police and representatives from OSHA, believe that an operated bulldozer struck the man as he worked on the road construction site. He suffered multiple serious injuries, including several fractures and head trauma, which eventually led to his death.
An official investigation will be held regarding the death of the worker, as is standard in such matters in our state. During this time, all aspects of the incident will be reviewed. In addition, authorities will be expected to make a final determination if the man died as a result of his work activities, thus triggering a possible benefit from workers’ compensation. If workers’ compensation is available, his surviving family may be eligible for workers’ compensation death benefits.
A workers’ compensation claim from the surviving family of the man who died at the road construction site may offer some financial assistance for lost income as a result of the accident. Though such a claim cannot replace the loss of a loved one, the economic effect of the accident may be lessened. Before the family can make the claim for benefits, the final investigation must be completed.
Source: pjstar.com, “Worker suffered multiple fractures in bulldozer accident,” Sept. 21, 2012