A construction worker died in a Dec. 3 crash on Route 422 in Chester County. According to police, an SUV struck the 60-year-old worker while he was putting up traffic cones in connection with a planned highway improvement project. The worker died at the scene of the accident, officials said.
The driver of the SUV was a 57-year-old man traveling home from work, allegedly. Police reportedly do not suspect that the man was speeding at the time of the accident, nor are there any apparent reports of alcohol impairment. While criminal charges were not filed during the immediate aftermath of the fatal incident, police indicated that their investigation continues.
Many families of deceased traffic accident victims seek civil remedy via a wrongful death lawsuit in order to help recoup their losses, even if the incident elicits no criminal charges or proceedings. Yet, in addition to this, victims’ families may possess another recourse if their loved one was killed while on the job. That is, bereaved families may seek death benefits by filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Workers’ compensation laws in Pennsylvania protect workers who are injured on the job. The protection provides compensation for injuries and illnesses that arise out of workplace accidents. Furthermore, workers’ compensation also allows for death benefits when an employee is killed on the job. In order to navigate these laws with confidence, many bereaved families enlist the services of a workers’ compensation attorney.
Workers who were state or private employees are likely to be covered by state law. Federal employees are covered by federal workers’ compensation laws. In this case, where the construction worker was killed while performing his job duties, his family may benefit from filing a claim.
Source: WFMZ, “Construction worker struck, killed by vehicle on Route 422”, Ryan Hughes, December 04, 2014