North Carolina family may explore workers’ compensation

Starting a new job can be an exciting time for anyone. However, if the company for which the new employee works does not keep up with proper safety measures, that new worker could be at risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries. If such an incident occurs, workers’ compensation may be applicable, and affected individuals may wish to determine how to go about potentially obtaining benefits.

One family in North Carolina may be exploring their options after a 19-year-old man was killed on the job. Reports stated that the young man had begun working for a tree service company and was using a wood chipper during his first shift at work. During his duties, the man was somehow pulled into the chipper, which resulted in fatal injuries.

The owner of the tree service company was on the scene and attempted to reverse the chipper, but the action was futile. That individual reportedly suffered a heart attack after the event and had to be taken to an area hospital. Recent reports indicated that the company was fined over $39,000 due to serious safety violations having been found by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Losing a young loved one so suddenly and while he was on his first shift at a new job undoubtedly came as a devastating shock to the surviving family. Due to the death occurring while the North Carolina man was working, it may be possible for the family to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits on his behalf. If interested, the family may wish to consult with an experienced attorney and learn more about the claims procedures.

Source: wsoctv.com, “Fines levied against tree service company after teen gets pulled into wood chipper“, May 18, 2016