On Tuesday, a worker at an Oklahoma City landfill was killed on the job. Authorities state that he was struck by a falling pipe when he was unloading a flatbed truck. This tragic incident happened at the landfill on Interstate 240 and Bryant Avenue. Authorities have released very few details about how a pipe fell on this worker. The incident is still under investigation.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 4,609 workers were killed on the job in 2011. For workers in the construction industry, 10 percent of deaths were due to victims being struck by objects. Thankfully, workplace deaths are actually at a record low. OSHA reports that worker deaths were down to 13 each day in 2011 from 38 each day in 1970.
Workplace injuries and deaths can be incredibly devastating for families, and it may be difficult for loved ones and victims to bring conventional lawsuits against negligent employers in Oklahoma and Texas. Sometimes, a third party’s negligence can contribute to an on-the-job injury or death. A workers’ comp attorney can help victims recover from negligent third parties.
Navigating a workers’ compensation or on-the-job wrongful death case can be complicated in Texas and Oklahoma. Earlier this year, workers’ compensation laws were radically changed in Oklahoma. The new laws are considerably less worker friendly. Injured workers can expect to receive less compensation for their injuries too. Under the new system, three appointed commissioners will head the administrative procedure rather than 10 judges in a court setting. Compensation and lengths of time for compensation have also been reduced for injured workers. Employees who suffer from a permanent disability on the job will only be able to receive $343 per week for up to 350 weeks instead of 520 weeks. Employers will also be able to opt out of this administrative workers’ compensation system, as long as they provide similar benefits.
If you lose a loved one to an on-the-job injury, you should contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can also be an indispensable asset for workers who have been injured on the job. If a third party’s negligence was fully or partly responsible for your injury, an attorney can file a lawsuit against that individual and help you recover compensation for your injuries. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim.