Construction Worker Died At Homewood-Flossmoor High School
Wrongful Death - April 28, 2024
63-Year-Old Construction Worker Died In Accident Involving Motorized Hand Saw At Homewood-Flossmoor High School
FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS (April 28, 2024) – A 63-year-old construction worker from Vernon Hills has tragically died in an accident at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
Cook County officials are saying that the incident took place around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The worker was using a motorized hand saw when there was some type of accident.
Paramedics were called to Homewood-Flossmoor High School in order to help the worker. He was taken to South Suburban Hospital, where he later died due to his injuries.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Cook County Workplace Accidents
Despite continued advancements in workplace safety standards, thousands of workers die on the job each year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, “There were 5,486 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2022, a 5.7-percent increase from 5,190 in 2021. The fatal work injury rate was 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, up from 3.6 per 100,000 FTE in 2021.” There are a number of common causes of workplace fatalities.
- Falls remain a leading cause of workplace injuries and death in the United States.
- Workers are often killed after being struck by objects, including falling tools or equipment.
- Electrocutions are another major cause of workplace injuries.
- A worker may also be killed in a transportation accident involving vehicles such as cars, trucks, or forklifts.
Workers and their families are typically barred by statute from bringing civil claims against their employer. However, the family of a deceased worker may have recourse through worker’s compensation. A worker’s family may also be able to seek some measure of accountability through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident.
The manufacturer of a handsaw could potentially be liable if a worker is killed. Companies have a legal responsibility to create products that are reasonably safe. A company could be liable for the design defects inherent in their products. If, for example, a hand saw has a tendency to pivot towards the user during normal operation, this may be indicative of a design defect. It is important that certain steps be taken after any workplace accident.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The tool involved in the accident should be examined.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The vast majority of workplace accidents are preventable. They often involve situations where workers are not provided with adequate safety equipment. It is important to determine the unique circumstances of any accident. The family of any worker who died on the job may also be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Evidence will ultimately reveal how many potential liable parties there could be.
Investigating Cook County Hand Saw Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the worker who died at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Any person who may have more information about this accident should reach out to OSHA. It is our hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Cook County workplace fatality? Our team of worker’s rights advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that workers are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
