While industrial workers in Colorado likely recognize the potential dangers of their chosen profession, their families may be concerned about the safety of their loved ones whenever they are at work. Many industrial workers are the sole breadwinners for their families, and a workplace accident may lead to the loss of income. Although workers’ compensation benefits may provide financial aid, families may be unsure of the availability of death benefits, and how to go about filing a claim.
The owners of industrial companies are expected to provide safe workplace surroundings and proper safety training to all their workers. When safety regulations are disregarded, workplace accidents may result in severe injuries, or even death. A worker at a scrap yard in Denver recently lost his life in a tragic workplace accident.
Not much detail was supplied, but Denver law enforcement reported that a baler that was used to compact metal malfunctioned. The worker apparently went to investigate the malfunction when he was caught off-guard by the baler reactivating. It is not clear what happened next, but the worker was killed while checking the machine. The incident is being investigated by the Denver Police Department.
Families in Colorado who have lost loved ones in workplace accidents may be facing financial difficulties after having to settle funeral and burial expenses, along with the loss of income. They may be eligible to file a claim for death benefits through the workers’ compensation insurance fund. The compensation for surviving spouses and other dependents usually include end-of-life expenses, along with a portion of lost wages. It is not uncommon for surviving spouses to feel intimidated by the claims process, and they may benefit from the services of professionals who are experienced in protecting the interests of workers and their families.
Source: ABC7 News Denver, “Denver police investigating deadly industrial accident at Atlas Metal and Iron”, , Sept. 5, 2014
