The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Bradenton Police Department are investigating a fatal construction accident. The inquiry follows a tragic accident that claimed the life of a 47-year-old man who was a member of a construction crew working on a project in Bradenton. The surviving family members will likely claim survivors’ benefits from the Florida workers’ compensation insurance system.
According to an incident report, the police chief and several officers heard a loud noise from the parking lot of the police station. They rushed to the construction site that was only a short distance away and found the construction worker trapped under a crane that had fallen over. About 50 people helped with the attempt to lift the crane while awaiting the arrival of rescue workers. The accident site was at the water’s edge, and the victim fell into the water when the helpers managed to lift the crane.
Reportedly, he was retrieved, and paramedics did CPR in an attempt to save his life. However, he had already succumbed to his injuries. No information was available about the circumstances that caused the crane to fall over. The OSHA investigators will work on determining the cause of the fatal accident. They will likely also assess the employer’s compliance with safety regulations.
This is the worst time of the year to lose loved ones in work-related accidents. Fortunately, the Florida workers’ compensation insurance program offers assistance to surviving family members of deceased workers. An attorney who is experienced in dealing with the state-regulated insurance system can help with the filing of benefits claims in pursuit of compensation for funeral and burial costs along with a financial package to make up for lost wages.