Leily Lopez-Hernandez Killed In Gurnee Industrial Accident At Miracapo Pizza Company

Wrongful Death - December 23, 2022

Leily Lopez-Hernandez, of Waukegan, Died In Gurnee Machine Accident Miracapo Pizza Company Manufacturing Plant

GURNEE, ILLINOIS (December 23, 2022) – A 29-year-old woman identified as Leily Lopez-Hernandez has tragically died in a Gurnee industrial accident at Miracapo Pizza Company.

Lake County officials are saying  that the accident took place on Thursday. Leily Lopez-Hernandez was cleaning inside of a large machine when she sustained crushing injuries.

Paramedics were called to the Miracapo Pizza Company manufacturing plant in order to help the worker. Miracapo Pizza Company is also known in the region as Little Lady Foods.

Despite life-saving measures, she died due to the severe nature of her injuries. The machine involved in the fatal accident is believed to be some type of conveyer.

A spokesperson for OSHA said it will take around 6 months to complete their investigation.

Liability For Gurnee Industrial Accidents

Despite continued improvements in workplace safety standards, thousands  of workers are killed or seriously injured every year. According to one report from the CDC, “There were 1,901 machinery related deaths reported to the NTOF system during the 13 year (yr) study period. This represented an average annual fatality rate of 2.13 deaths per 100,000 workers.” There are a number of steps that companies should take in order to keep their workers safe.

• All employees should receive safety training.
• Workers should be taught the proper lock-out/tag-out procedures for machinery.
• Machine guards should be installed in certain locations.
• Workers should be provided the proper safety gear.

When a worker is injured or killed in Illinois they or their family will typically have recourse through a worker’s compensation claim. Worker’s compensation operates off of a no-fault insurance plan. The family of a deceased worker does not need to demonstrate fault in order to receive benefits. When a worker is killed on the job, their family may also be able to receive aid through a third party liability claim.

A third party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. For example, the company that manufactured workplace equipment could be liable for an accident. Companies have a legal obligation to create products that are reasonably safe. When a piece of machinery is unreasonably dangerous, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any workplace accident.

• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• The machinery involved should be examined.
• Medical records should be preserved.
• A thorough investigation should be conducted.

It can be difficult to know where to begin after any workplace accident. But it is important for accident victims to know that they do have rights. The family of any deceased worker may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Unfortunately, it is common for industrial manufacturers to deny all liability for a workplace accident. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after any accident.

Investigating A Gurnee Industrial Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Leily Lopez-Hernandez. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.

Do you need more information about a Gurnee industrial accident? Our team of worker’s rights advocates are 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 an investigation into any workplace fatality we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.