Common Causes of Workplace Death

It can be frustrating and humiliating to suffer a workplace accident, but some can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. If you suffer an injury from an accident at your workplace, it is vital that you take the proper steps to protect not just yourself but your accident claim as well. You may be tasked with proving the validity of the accident. Understanding the common causes of workplace death can make a difference in how you protect yourself and your loved ones.

Workplace Death in North Carolina

It is vital that you understand the various causes of workplace death in North Carolina to ensure proper safety measures and a secure working environment. According to a study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 220 fatal workplace accidents in North Carolina in 2022 alone. This is a substantial increase from the amount of fatal workplace accidents that occurred the previous year. It is important to always be vigilant in the workplace.

Depending on where you work and the type of work you do, you may be more susceptible to workplace accidents than others. Be aware of your environment and do what you can to minimize the possibility of a workplace accident. You never know when one can happen to you and whether that accident will result in severe injuries or even death.

The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act provides comprehensive details for how deceased workers’ families can seek the proper death benefits from their loved one’s company in the event of a workplace death. If an independent investigation uncovers negligence as the root cause of the workplace death, the family may be able to seek a wrongful death claim as well. An experienced workplace death lawyer can help you determine what your options are for legal action.

Common Causes of Workplace Death

There are many reasons why a workplace death can occur, though some are more common than others. Regardless of where you work, it is important for you to stay vigilant for hazards at all times and not open yourself up to the possibility of a fatal accident. This can be easier said than done, especially for people who work in far more dangerous environments like factories or construction sites. Here are some of the most common causes of workplace death in North Carolina:

• Falls: A sudden fall can happen in virtually any workplace environment. Depending on the height and nature of the fall, you could suffer a severe injury or even die. Many workers, such as roofers, firefighters, construction workers, or maintenance technicians, must perform their jobs at significant heights. There are ways you can try to avoid a fall, but sometimes, it’s the result of unavoidable misfortune.
• Trauma: Another leading cause of workplace death is trauma. In certain workplace environments, workers can be struck by objects, such as unpredictable machinery, that can be impossible to stop before it’s too late. Some work areas deal with large vehicles that can cause irreparable physical damage to anyone caught in their path. Enforcing safety training and closely monitoring worker interactions can help prevent traumatic deaths.
• Vehicular Accidents: Many professions require a great deal of driving, such as truck drivers, delivery drivers, construction workers, or emergency technicians. Spending a lot of time on the road opens you up to the possibility of being in a vehicular accident, which happens frequently to many different types of workers.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Top Five Causes of Workplace Death?

A: Generally, in the United States, the top five causes of workplace death are vehicular accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, workplace violence, equipment accidents, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Everyone’s workplace is different, and some people may never encounter any of this at their place of business. Other workers may have to avoid multiple accidents on a daily basis.

Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Death in the Workplace in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, the most common cause of death in the workplace is vehicular accidents. Many different workers across the state are required to either drive vehicles for work or be around vehicles for work. This opens them up to the possibility of being involved in a bad accident with a workplace vehicle. It is important that you stay aware of any vehicles around you when you are at work.

Q: What Job Has the Most Workplace Deaths in North Carolina?

A: Generally, the construction industry sees the most workplace deaths in North Carolina. This has consistently been the case for many years, as working in construction can be a dangerous job, even if you are consistently careful. You may be prone to bad falls, vehicular accidents, equipment accidents, workplace violence, and so much more. If you are working in the construction industry, it is vital to your safety that you pay close attention to your surroundings at all times.

Q: Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Workplace Death Case?

A: Technically, you do not need to hire a lawyer for your workplace death case. If you wish to seek legal action on your own without the help of a lawyer, you are legally allowed to do so. However, it is recommended that you consult with a lawyer any time you are dealing with legal strife, especially on something so emotionally strenuous as a workplace death case. Having someone in your corner with legal knowledge may make all the difference.

Reach Out to an Experienced Lawyer Today

It can be challenging to move forward with a workplace death case, especially if you are trying to handle everything on your own with no legal assistance. The last thing you want is to be taken advantage of during this vulnerable time. An experienced workplace death lawyer can help take control of your case while you focus on grieving loved ones.

The legal team at The Bollinger Law Firm, PC knows how difficult these cases can get, and we are prepared to offer our assistance. Contact us to speak with a valued team member about a consultation.