The idea of workers’ compensation is simple: if you get hurt or killed on the job, you and your family will be able to be taken care of, even through harsh times. Because of this, not only does workers’ compensation include safety nets for the worker, but also a safety net for the worker’s family in the form of death benefits, should a fatal accident occur. Sadly, one Anderson family may have to inquire about these benefits soon, after their loved one was tragically killed at work.

The incident happened after a man had been working several hours to load an 18-wheeler with scrap metal. Another worker assisted by operating a trackhoe with a magnet attached to lift the heavy pieces of metal. This piece of heavy machinery was set in an enclosed area, and the driver could only move in a limited fashion. However, though these limitations were in place, the trackhoe ran over the victim.

Investigations are now underway by the Anderson County Sherriff’s Office and OSHA. The coroner believes that it may be possible that the worker may not been paying attention at the time of the accident, and the operator of the trackhoe had limited vision and did not see the victim until it was too late.

Nevertheless, for Belton Metals, this is a huge loss that will be felt by all its workers.

The surviving family likely has a plethora of worries and fears they are facing as they struggle to come to terms with what happened. However, they may take some comfort in learning that workers’ compensation death benefits are typically available under these circumstances. These benefits normally cover funeral and related expenses along with other payments designed to keep the family’s personal tragedy from becoming a financial one as well.

Source: Anderson Independent Mail, “Worker crushed to death at Belton Metals,” Mike Ellis, Sept. 14, 2012

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Steven M. Krause

Steven Krause is a personal injury, auto accident, and workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in Anderson, SC. He graduated form the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and has been practicing law for 40 years now. Steven Krause believes in fighting for the injured. Learn more about his experience here.