Workers in New York understand that accidents can happen on the job. If an injury occurs, it’s the company’s job to provide workers’ compensation that will financially support the employee throughout his or her recovery. Often, there are spouses and children who depend on the income as well and would be devastated without the assistance that workers’ compensation provides.
Consider the case of a 35-year-old New York man who was working at a Sears store in Massena when a number of shelves fell on him. The weight from the merchandise, which was composed of metal, plywood and glass, kept him pinned and unable to move. He was subsequently taken to a hospital in Vermont where he remained in critical condition for nearly a week. On June 12, the worker succumbed to his injuries and died.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into the accident. There is no word on whether the man was married or had children.
In a case like this, a New York attorney could conduct his or her own investigation into the work accident. Were the shelves properly assembled? Had they been sufficiently secured? Had too much weight been put on them? Was management aware of the potential hazard the shelves caused?
Employers’ insurance companies are typically required to pay for medical bills and lost wages when an employee is killed or injured on the job. Sadly, some employers try to shirk this responsibility by refusing to accept the blame when it’s their fault. And insurance companies don’t make much money by handing out huge payouts, so they are often reticent to pay.
If you are hurt on the job and expect the risk of running into these road blocks, a knowledgeable New York attorney may be a victim’s best chance for receiving the benefits and compensation they deserve.
Source: wptz.com, “Sears employee hurt on job dies from injuries,” June 12, 2014
