The widespread presence of industrial and construction worksites across the Chicago area has brought it a well-earned reputation for being a blue collar, working-man’s city. These kind of work environments, however, open up employees to a multitude of health risks that include injury, disease, and even death.
One man in the Chicago suburbs fell victim to this harsh reality earlier this week after an accident with a truck pinned him for a time, inducing injuries that eventually proved fatal. The man, a 57-year-old employee at a Bensenville freight services company, became pinned between the door of his truck and a fixed object.
The man had apparently been conducting a safety examination of his truck prior to departure from the site when he became stuck between its cab door and a loading area post. Despite the notification of emergency services and a rush to the hospital, the pressure and duration of the man’s position proved fatal.
Health officials have ruled the event an accident, noting that multiple injuries sustained from the incident lead to the man’s death. However, representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are beginning an investigation to determine what, if any, safety regulations were ignored or violated by the worksite and its managers.
While friends, families, coworkers, and employers will have to wait for the result of the OSHA investigation to know if any violations have occurred, those who have been injured on the job or lost a love one in a construction accident should never wait to contact an attorney.
Consulting closely with a lawyer specializing in worker’s compensation can begin a strong case for a collection of financial damages accrued by medical bills, lost work pay, and personal hardship.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Truck driver dies after workplace accident in Bensenville,” Jan 8, 2013
• Injury or death that happens on-the-job should never leave a family burdened by loss and debt. For more information on how to take action, contact our Illinois worker’s compensation page.
