Fatal Accidents at Work
Each year there are at least 60,000 fatal accidents on construction sites around the world. This equals one fatal accident every ten minutes. Of the main industrial sectors, construction, agriculture and waste and recycling have the highest rates of fatal injuries.
Each day an average of 6,000 people die as a result of work-related accidents or diseases, totalling more than 2.2 million work related deaths a year, globally.
- Hazardous substances kill about 438,000 workers annually. Asbestos alone claims about 100,000 deaths every year and the figure is rising.
- Silicosis is a fatal lung disease caused by silica dust. 50% of miners, slate pencil workers and stone cutters are exposed to silica dust.
Fatal accidents are devastating for loved ones and can cause great financial difficulties for those dependent on the deceased. We understand that no amount can compensate for their loss, however it can help.
Accident at Work Deaths are Preventable
Death at work due to an accident is usually the fault of the employer for failing to provide suitable health and safety training including suitable safety equipment and providing a safe place of work. Undertaking suitable risk assessments are key to help preventing a death at work compensation claim. Sometimes it is just a minor mistake on behalf of the employer that can cause the fatal accident at work.
All employers owe a duty to their workers to ensure they work in a safe place and operate a safe system of work. If employers fail in their duty they become liable in law to the deceased and the worker’s immediately family to pay compensation for an accident at work following the death of their employee.
Specialist Fatal Accident At Work Guidance
Whist we have a specialist work accident claim web site, the issues involving a death at work claim can be complex. The seriousness of the accident will mean formal and detailed assessment of how the deceased died and to make sure that nothing similar will happen again.
In addition to the investigations of the death at work claim, in addition the family of the deceased will require specialist legal advice on making a claim and helping them through the following queries:
- Who can claim on behalf of the deceased?
- What can the family (“next of kin”) claim following a fatal accident at work?
- What is probate?
- Who pays for the funeral expenses?
- Can I claim for a bereavement compensation award?
- Who deals with the Bank and Mortgage/House?
- How can the bills be paid?
- What about an Inquest Hearing? What happens?
- What happens at a Coroner Hearing? What are the Coroner’s Duties?
- What compensation can be obtained?
- What if the employer was at fault, can they be prosecuted?
- Who pays the compensation if the employer no longer exists after the death at work claim is made?
The above are only a brief summary of the initial first questions we are often asked. We are sure there are many, many more that requires answers. We do have a dedicated fatal accident website that may answer a lot of the questions but of course, that is no substitute to speaking to one of our expert friendly solicitor who will be happy to speak to you and help you every step of the way.
The website is FATAL WORK ACCIDENT CLAIMS – please click on that link for further legal advice from the fatal accident solicitors.
