When a workplace accident takes place, it is always the hope that no one is injured. Unfortunately, many accidents that occur on the job result in serious or even fatal injuries for one or more employees. In such a situation, the victims or their families may face financial hardships as a result of the accident. Luckily, workers’ compensation may be available to help.
Parties may be learning more about such benefits after an explosion at an Illinois recycling plant resulted in the death of two workers and the serious injury of another. It was reported that a mortar round that was at the plant to be recycled somehow exploded. At the time of the report, it was uncertain where the shell came from or whether it was known that the round was still live. It is not uncommon for mortar rounds to be recycled at the plant, but it was noted that they are typically inactive.
OSHA sent an investigator to assess the situation. The two workers who suffered fatal injuries died at the scene, and the third individual was transported to the hospital. The condition of the injured worker was not disclosed.
Fatal accidents that take place on the job can have serious repercussions for the loved ones of the victims as well as the companies themselves. Family members of the deceased victims and the seriously injured worker may be awarded workers’ compensation in Illinois due to the nature of the accident. The families may be able to use such benefits to supplement their income, and the injured worker may be able to use the compensation to pay for necessary medical bills and other expenses. Information on this type of benefit program may help parties better understand their potential entitlement.
Source: stltoday.com, “Explosion kills 2, injures 1 at Granite City recycling plant“, Joel Currier, Aug. 25, 2014