One out-of-state worker was killed and another was seriously injured in a recent work accident that involved a collapsed wall, authorities said. The accident occurred on a recent Saturday in January at an out-of-state assembly plant of Ford Motor Company. When a work injury results in the death of a California worker, the deceased worker’s dependents are typically entitled to submit a claim for workers’ compensation death benefits.
A local fire department reported that the accident took place sometime around 10:50 that morning and occurred in a section of the plant that was under construction. A portion of an eight-foot-tall concrete wall collapsed and killed a 45-year-old worker. It also injured a 48-year-old man who was rushed to a local medical center in serious-to-critical condition. The first man was declared dead after he was taken to a local hospital.
An autopsy conducted the next day by the Cook County medical examiner’s office determined that the worker’s official cause of death was due to several blunt force injuries that were caused by the collapse of the wall. The office ruled the death an accident. According to OSHA, the employee was removing a section of the wall in order for the installation of a double door at the time of the accident.
When a California worker suffers a fatal work injury similar to this one, his or her dependents are typically entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim for death benefits. When successfully filed, these benefits result in payments to the decedent’s spouse, children and any other individuals who were dependent on the individual. Additionally, there is a set allotment for end-of-life expenses. Individuals who have lost someone they depended on typically choose to consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can assist them with the process of submitting a claim.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “1 worker killed, another seriously injured in accident at Ford plant”, Deanese Williams-Harris, Jan. 4, 2016