It is the responsibility of employers in Chicago and across the nation to maintain a safe and hazard-free environment to the extent possible for the wellbeing of their employees, and there are state as well as federal regulations to ensure this. But despite clear requirements, workplace accidents take place with regularity in Chicago and many of them cause injuries to the employees involved. In the worst instances, someone may lose his or her life due to a workplace incident and that harm will never be righted, no matter what action follows.
The Bureau for Labor Statistics compiles data annually about the number of workers who lost their lives on-the-job as well as what industries those workers were engaged in at the time of their accidents. Numbers for 2014 have been released and show an overall increase of 2 percent compared to the fatalities experienced in 2013.
Tragically, 4,679 employees were killed in workplace accidents in 2014, an increase of 94 workers when compared to the numbers from 2013.
Many different employment sectors experienced an increase in fatal incidents but transportation-related jobs continue to account for the largest number of deaths. In 2014, these incidents are blamed for 40 percent of all workplace fatalities and claimed 1,891 lives – an increase of 26 lives from 2013. The majority of those incidents involved traffic accidents with a significant number of other fatalities stemming from auto versus pedestrian collisions.
But the biggest jump in fatalities among any industry was that of police officers, who experienced a 19 percent increase in on-the-job deaths between 2013 and 2014.
Most age groups experienced increases in fatalities as well with workers ages 55 and over experiencing a 9 percent increase from 2013 to 1,621 deaths in 2014. Self-employed individuals saw an increase of work-related deaths and deaths related to construction jobs increased approximately 5 percent.
The number of workers killed in this country and in Chicago is far too high, and with each new death comes an incomprehensive loss. The family members and loved ones left behind when someone is killed will experience a pain that will never heal and that cannot be undone by any laws or by any employer.
Yet the family members of victims may still be entitled to financial compensation to help ease the financial toll left behind when their loved one passes and speaking with a personal injury attorney can help them realize whether they have a valid claim.
If someone you loved was killed while on-the-job, know that the personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 and to provide you with a free case consultation. If you prefer, call us locally at (312) 924-7575 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer who will talk about your legal options without requiring any commitment on your part.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that employers should be held liable when a job injury turns fatal and we fight for that belief every day in and out of court. If we can help you, call us today and learn about the options that your family may possess.
Prior Blog Entry:
Is It Safe to Ride a Motorcycle in the Dark?, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published September 30, 2015.
Resource:
Latest Fatal Workplace Industry Figures for 2014 Reveals 2% Increase Over 2013, Claims Journal, published September 29, 2015.