Workplace Wrongful Death: Justice for Families After Fatal Work Accidents
When a worker loses their life on the job due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence, families are left to cope with both devastating grief and financial uncertainty. Workplace fatalities are particularly tragic because they’re often preventable with proper safety measures and training. If your loved one died in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. At Dermer Law, we combine industry knowledge with legal expertise to help grieving families pursue justice after a workplace wrongful death. Our commitment to “Clients. Not Cases.” means we provide personalized support while fighting determinedly to hold negligent employers and third parties accountable.
Employers have a legal obligation to provide a reasonably safe work environment for their employees. When they fail to meet safety standards or knowingly allow dangerous conditions to persist, they can be held liable for resulting fatalities. While workers’ compensation typically limits claims against employers, there are often third parties whose negligence contributed to the fatal accident.
Common Causes of Workplace Wrongful Death
Workplace fatalities can occur across many industries. Some of the most common causes include:
Falls from Heights
Inadequate fall protection, unstable scaffolding, or unguarded openings on construction sites and other workplaces.
Equipment Accidents
Malfunctioning machinery, lack of proper guarding, or inadequate lockout/tagout procedures.
Electrical Incidents
Exposure to live wires, improper wiring, or lack of appropriate training for electrical work.
Explosions and Fires
Chemical hazards, combustible dust, or improper storage of flammable materials
Struck-by Incidents
Workers struck by moving vehicles, falling objects, or construction materials.
Trench Collapses
Excavation work without proper shoring or protection systems.
Toxic Exposure
Long-term exposure to harmful chemicals, asbestos, or other toxic substances.
Transportation Accidents
Vehicle crashes while performing work duties or traveling between job sites.
Proving Liability in a Workplace Wrongful Death Case
Workplace fatality cases often involve complex liability issues. While workers' compensation provides limited benefits regardless of fault, third-party claims require proving negligence. At Dermer Law, we help families establish:
Duty of Care
The third party (equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, property owner, etc.) had a legal duty to ensure safety.
Breach of Duty
The responsible party failed to meet safety standards or created dangerous conditions.
Causation
The safety violation or negligence directly caused or contributed to your loved one’s death.
Damages
Your family has suffered emotional and financial losses due to your loved one’s death.
Compensation for Workplace Wrongful Death Claims
Families affected by workplace fatalities may be entitled to various forms of compensation:
Workers' Compensation Death Benefits
Including funeral expenses and a percentage of the deceased worker’s wages
Third-Party Wrongful Death Claims
Compensation from negligent parties other than the employer, which may include:
- Medical expenses before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
At Dermer Law, we pursue all available avenues for compensation to ensure families receive maximum financial support during this difficult time.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Fatality
If you've lost a family member in a workplace accident, taking appropriate actions can strengthen your claim:
Report the Death
Ensure the employer has properly reported the fatality to OSHA (required within 8 hours).
Preserve Evidence
Request that all equipment, tools, or materials involved in the accident remain undisturbed.
Document Everything
Gather incident reports, witness information, and any available photographs.
File for Workers' Compensation
Submit necessary paperwork for death benefits promptly.
Investigate Third Parties
Determine if contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other parties contributed to the accident.
Consult an Attorney
Speak with an experienced workplace wrongful death attorney to understand all legal options beyond workers’ compensation.
Contact Dermer Law Today
At Dermer Law, we understand the unique challenges families face after losing a breadwinner to a workplace accident. Our team approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail, thoroughly investigating accident scenes, reviewing safety records, and consulting with occupational safety experts to build the strongest possible case.
We maintain forthright communication throughout the legal process, ensuring you always understand your options and the status of your claim. We believe in accountability—both for negligent parties who compromise worker safety and in our commitment to transparent representation.
If you’ve lost a family member in a workplace accident, don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Dermer Law today for a free, compassionate consultation. We’re here to fight for the justice your loved one deserves while you focus on healing from your loss.
Call us now to schedule your free case evaluation!
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