On the recent Workers Memorial Day, many individuals paid their respects to workers who lost their lives in workplace accidents. One man who was affected by a workplace accident has decided to pursue a wrongful death suit against his father’s employer. His father was a lineman, and he lost his life in Ohio in May 2011 when he was electrocuted while on the job.
The 53-year-old man was attempting to repair a buried power line when he received an electric shock that took his life. His son is pursuing civil litigation on his father’s behalf, and he claims that his father’s death only occurred because of several safety violations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration actually cited the father’s employer for $21,000 for failing to make sure that all the electrical lines were de-energized before allowing employees to touch them.
The son is bringing the wrongful death suit against his father’s employer, accusing the employer of negligence for failing to provide a safe workplace. The specific damages that the son is attempting to claim were not disclosed. Additionally, the amount of compensation that he is seeking was also not provided.
Typically, when a person loses a loved one due to a tragic accident in which a negligent third party is at fault, that person can pursue a wrongful death claim. The family member can attempt to claim damages applicable to the situation, such as mental anguish and funeral expenses. Additionally, when a person is killed while on the job in Ohio, that person’s estate may also be entitled to certain workers’ compensation death benefits.
Source: cleveland.com, “Workplace death, injuries continue to take toll on families“, Marcia Pledger, April 28, 2015