Nearly every job has its risks. Police officers can be hurt chasing suspects, retail workers may hurt their backs lifting heavy items, and construction workers may be hurt when machinery fails. No matter the circumstances, an injured worker often has a lot to deal with in the aftermath of a workplace accident. Sure, he or she will likely have physical pain with which he or she must cope, but he or she will also probably have medical expenses. These bills can be difficult to pay when a hurt worker is unable to work, and those lost wages can also make it hard to make other ends meet.
One Massachusetts worker may be in that situation now after being injured in a fall at Boston’s Logan International Airport. According to reports, the 53-year-old victim, an ironworker, fell 40 feet, landing on the ground. The incident occurred when a 32-ton concrete panel, which was being lifted by a crane to a parking garage’s third floor, fell. The man was apparently trying to secure the panel and fell at the same time as the concrete. He is currently in critical condition, and has undergone extensive surgery. Investigators are analyzing the site to see if any workplace violations occurred.
Though he may not be thinking about it right now, this man and his family may need to think about workers’ compensation in the near future. This program can provide significant benefits to those who are injured on the job, including helping pay for medical expenses and lost wages.
Though extremely helpful, it can sometimes be a challenge to recover these benefits, as initial claims are often denied. It is therefore often helpful for injured workers to discuss the matter with an attorney who is skilled at handling such matters. He or she may be able to help the victim succeed with an initial claim or an appeal so that the victim can receive the compensation he or she needs to focus on reclaiming his or her health.
Source: The Boston Globe, “Ironworker hurt after falling some 40 feet at Logan” Laura Crimaldi, July 10, 2015
