Families of Construction Workers Killed on the Job May Get Compensation
A construction worker at the Morgan Bridge near Route 35 in Sayreville, N.J.,was killed recently when he became wedged between the bridge and a barge, according to a news report. It was not immediately reported how the victim became pinned.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration began an investigation with the Coast Guard and local police assisting. The Morgan Bridge is a drawbridge that spans the Cheese quake Creek. Public records indicate that a bridge closure was requested by the New Jersey Transit Rail Operations in order to facilitate structural track repairs on the bridge.
New Jersey Construction Site Fatalities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 759 fatal workplace accidents in the construction industry throughout the United States in 2011. The rate of injury or illness per 100 construction workers is 3.9 – one of the highest rates of all occupations. Although New Jersey construction workers already know there are inherent risks and hazards in their profession, they still expect to return home safely at the end of their shifts. When a construction accident turns fatal, family members grieve a loss.
Surviving family members of New Jersey construction workers killed on the job may be entitled to compensation. A surviving family member may be eligible for death benefits through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. If the negligence of someone other than the worker’s direct employer played a role in the fatal accident, then compensation may also be available through a third party lawsuit.
If you have lost a loved one as a result of a New Jersey construction accident, contact the New York/New Jersey construction accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd to find out what legal options you may have. With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 or fill out our online contact form.
