Earlier this month, a 56-year-old truck driver from Texas was killed in South Middleton Township after getting caught between two tractor-trailers at a loading dock. The unfortunate workplace accident is now under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Organization, the details of which are not currently being released.
The only information available is from the Pennsylvania State Police. According to a police report, the man got caught when another tractor-trailer lurched forward after having been parked. Although the driver of the other truck had parked the vehicle, the air brake supply had apparently not been fully applied. No charges have been filed in connection with the incident as yet, but the OSHA investigation continues.
When a worker is injured on the job, of course, they are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits to help pay for medical bills and other costs. But when a worker dies, is there any compensation available for the employee’s family? In fact, there is. Survivors of a deceased worker are entitled to receive benefits in cases where the death was not self-inflicted or caused by the employee’s violation of the law. This includes the use of illegal drugs or alcohol.
Families who are grieving the loss of a loved one due to a workplace accident need to understand their right to compensation as well as how to exercise that right. In cases where employers refuse to cooperate in workers’ compensation claims, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help ensure a just result.
Source: Land Line, “OSHA investigating death of trucker at Pennsylvania warehouse,” Greg Grisolano, August 22, 2014.