As Pennsylvania readers know, construction workers' accidents are a serious concern in our own state and throughout the country. Recently, in Georgia, two men were killed when the mobile lift that was carrying them fell in downtown Atlanta. Both men were working in a bucket attached to a mobile lift that was 40 feet off of the ground at the time of the accident. When the lift became stuck, workers tried to adjust it, and the faulty equipment toppled over and crashed to the ground.

Both men, who were said to have fallen out of the bucket, were taken to a local hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Officials with the United States Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) are investigating the accident. Pennsylvania residents already know that serious injuries can result from these types of accidents, which occur too often as a result of defective machinery.

When fatal work-related accidents happen, they sometimes raise more questions than answers. If workers are killed on the job, their families have a right to seek answers that will ensure workers' compensation death benefits. In addition, if a fatal accident occurs due to the negligence of a third party, a wrongful death claim may also be pursued.

Additionally, individuals who are injured on the job may face high medical bills, as well as other obstacles related to recovery. Regardless of the type of injury, it is important to be informed about workers' compensation laws and regulations in Pennsylvania. State and federal laws can help victims and their families in securing compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and any pain and suffering that may have resulted from a workplace injury. And if faulty equipment is shown to be the cause of a fatality, then the family of the victim again has a right to seek compensation and some measure of solace for their ultimate loss.

Source: Salon, "Federal Authorities Investigate Machinery Accident," Dec. 2, 2011