Workplace incidents can have tragic results. Sadly, the U.S. sees thousands of workplace deaths a year. For example, according to recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, there were 5,147 such fatalities in the U.S. in 2017.
The No. 1 cause
Based on this data, transportation incidents were the top cause of such deaths in 2017. Such incidents were behind 2,077 workplace fatalities that year, with a large portion of such deaths being caused by traffic accidents. This underscores the dangers that individuals with positions that involve a lot of driving can face.
Other major causes
What workplace fatality causes made up the rest of the top three in 2017?
Well, falls took the No. 2 spot. They were the cause of 887 worker deaths that year. Most of these deaths came from falls from one level to another.
Meanwhile, the third top cause was violence. That year, violence and similar incidents led to 807 workplace fatalities.
Workers’ compensation benefits for families of fatality victims
Workplace deaths can have major effects on the lives of victims’ families. This can include significant financial effects.
It is important to note that California’s workers’ comp system can be an important source of financial relief for families in the state following the death of a loved one in a workplace accident. Among the benefits generally available under this system are death benefits for dependents of a deceased worker, such as spouses and children. Workers’ comp attorneys can help families with matters related to pursuing this class of workers’ compensation benefits.