Injuries at work can happen, no matter what work environment you are in. When an accident occurs, it is natural to consider how the injury will impact your ability to work and provide for your family. But what happens to your family? What happens to families of workers who are killed in on-the-job?
Last week, a fatal accident occurred in Douglas County. According to Colorado State Patrol, a truck driver was traveling on the highway when the cement mixer truck he was driving rolled. The cause of the rollover was a flat tire, and the aftermath included a water tank leak and fuel tank leak. The truck driver did not survive.
It’s unclear from the news report, but the driver may have been working when the accident occurred. Though he was driving in a vehicle, he had a cement mixture mixing in the truck. It is highly plausible that he was “on the clock” while driving. If so, there may be death benefits available to his family that would help ease some of the financial needs that will arise.
There are many regulations around workers’ compensation laws and what benefits are available for dependents. It can be overwhelming to try to sort through the complex nature of workers’ compensation. But for those who have lost a loved one in a work-related accident, there is comfort in knowing that help is available.
Source: The Denver Channel, “Concrete mixer truck has flat, overturns on I-25 near Greenland exit, killing driver,” August 9, 2013
