Despite improvements over time, and better safety measures, construction remains one of the most dangerous jobs. Work accidents are not uncommon, and often involve falls, crush injuries or other types of serious accidents. These kinds of workplace injuries not only result in serious physical limitations but also create financial concerns when an injured worker is unable to work for a substantial period of time. In the worst cases, a worker is killed while on the job, which can cause extreme financial hardship for his or her family.
In Phoenix, at a job site located in the University of Phoenix Stadium parking lot, a construction worker recently suffered a 25-foot fall, which ultimately resulted in his death. The construction worker was a 31-year-old male who was working on building a stage for a tailgate party for the upcoming Super Bowl. It is unclear at this point what caused the worker to fall, but authorities do not suspect foul play. Emergency personnel, including firefighters and paramedics, responded to the scene and transported the man to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead after arriving there.
Workers’ compensation is an insurance system for employees who are injured while on the job. While workers’ compensation provides valuable benefits for injured workers and their families, it is not always easy to get the benefits one deserves. Many people rely on their employers to manage the details of the workers’ compensation benefits, but this could prevent the workers from getting the medical treatment or pay to which they are entitled under the system.
First and foremost, employees should understand how workers’ compensation fits within the rest of the process after an accident occurs. The first two things that an injured employee should do after an accident are to report the accident to the employer, and obtain any needed medical treatment. Employers have obligations under the law that relate to reporting accidents and receipt of workers’ compensation benefits may depend on promptly notifying all parties that need to be notified and seeking medical care. After the employer has been notified and medical treatment has been obtained, injured employees should then begin to investigate what potential benefits the workers’ compensation can offer them, such as permanent or temporary disability, job retention, lost wages, etc.
Source: USA Today, “Construction worker dies near University of Phoenix Stadium,” Jan. 15, 2015
