Wrongful Death: Can I File a Lawsuit If My Family Member is Killed at Work?

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

If your loved one is killed on the job, you are within your rights to speak to an attorney about a potential wrongful death lawsuit.

While no amount of money will ever bring your loved one back to life, if an attorney decides to take on your case, you can seek damages for:

  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of parental guidance
  • Punitive damages
  • Loss of benefits

Sadly, more than 4,000 people were killed in workplace accidents last year. These accidents occurred because of falls, transportation mishaps, electrocution, violence and malfunctioning equipment.

When a fatal accident occurs, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may conduct an investigation into why the incident happened; however, if your family member is killed, it may be in your best interest to speak to an attorney so he or she can review the case.

We can determine if your loved one was placed in an unreasonable amount of harm or if defective or malfunctioning products played a role in his or her death.

Sadly, on December 1, a construction worker died at the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. According to CBS News, a concrete paver vehicle injured the worker. The Maryland Transportation Authority is reportedly investigating the accident and has not released any more information.

The subcontractor Hi-Way Paving Inc. reportedly employed the worker.

Who Should I Speak to If My Loved One Is Killed in a Workplace Accident?

Wrongful death cases, especially ones that revolve around workplace accidents, can involve complex legal issues. This is why you should speak to an attorney who understands the grief associated with your loss and will help you obtain the maximum recovery of damages allowed under the law.

If you have lost a loved one to a workplace or construction accident, you can visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more information.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys

Did You Know: Of the 3,929 employee fatalities that occurred during 2013, 20.3 percent involved construction workers.

Source: http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/12/01/accident-at-bwi-airport-kills-construction-worker/

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.