Illinois commercial vehicle driver killed in workplace accident
On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workplace Accidents on Wednesday, January 9, 2013.
It is not always completely clear if an injured worker is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits following an accident in Illinois. For example, if an office worker is driving on a Wednesday night from home to a dinner date and is in a car accident, the individual would not likely be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits because the accident was not through the course of their employment. However, some motor vehicle accidents can mean that an injured individual is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if the accident happened through the course or nature of their employment.
This is particularly relevant for commercial vehicle drivers. In fact, for individuals that drive for a living in Illinois, a motor vehicle accident is typically the greatest threat with regards to a workplace injury. Unfortunately, a 57-year-old truck driver was killed in Illinois on Monday when he was conducting a safety check on his commercial vehicle.
The accident occurred in Bensenville, Illinois, when due to happenings that remain unclear, the victim became pinned between the open door of his commercial vehicle and a post in a loading area. The fatally injured driver was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting an investigation to determine if there were safety violations that resulted in the death of this worker. The victim’s employer has not issued any statements due to the ongoing investigation.
Following such a devastating workplace accident like this, families can feel unsure of where to turn, particularly when answers regarding such shocking happenings are not forthcoming. Beyond the emotional upheaval, families can be left to wade through unexpected expenses for a funeral and burial.
Once that is over, many families struggle to continue paying bills following the lost income. It can be difficult to know how to find financial stability in the midst of such intense grief. Fortunately, there are legal remedies for financial recovery following a fatal workplace accident so that surviving families can focus on working through their grief.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Truck driver dies after workplace accident in Bensenville,” Jan. 8. 2013
- Our firm has experience handling cases of a similar nature. For more information, please refer to our Champaign commercial vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation page.
