Illinois miner fatally injured before Thanksgiving

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Industrial Workers’ Accidents on Sunday, November 25, 2012.

A workplace accident can devastate a family because not only could the injured worker be facing serious medical bills, but also the accident could render the worker unable to continue working, thereby without income. Fortunately, workers’ compensation should cover medical expenses and lost income stemming from a workplace injury in Illinois.

While the majority of workplace accidents do not prove fatal, there are occasions in which the worst occurs. Unfortunately, a Southeast Illinois worker was killed at the Willow Lake Mine recently. The coalminer was operating heavy machinery used for mining when he became pinned, and fatally injured.

It is likely that the family of this worker killed on the job had heavy hearts on Thanksgiving because of the sudden absence of the worker this holiday. Such unexpected losses can be difficult to cope with. While thinking about the financial ramifications of the loss can seem difficult in the immediate aftermath of a workplace death, there unfortunately is typically a financial impact in addition to the emotional impact. There will be funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of the workers’ income.

However, when a worker in Illinois is killed on the job, the family could be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits. This should cover burial expenses, and supplement the lost income.

Additionally, if it is found that a third party is liable for the death of the worker, additional compensation could be in order. While grappling with the death of a loved one is always difficult, there are ways in which the financial loss can be minimized. Seeking the aid of an experienced attorney can aid a family in receiving the full amount they are entitled to for the loss of their loved one.

Source: NASDAQ, “Peabody Says Worker Killed In Accident At Coal Mine In Southeast Illinois,” Nov. 17, 2012

• Our firm has experience handling similar cases. For more information, please visit our Illinois workers’ compensation death benefits page.