On Wednesday morning, an industrial accident resulted in the death of one worker. The workplace accident happened at the Tonawanda Coke plant at approximately 8:34 a.m. Few details have been released regarding the accident. Authorities did state that upon arrival, the emergency responders pronounced the 60-year-old worker dead at the scene of the accident. The Erie County authorities and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the accident. Tragically, Tonawanda Coke Corp. has been the site for past workplace accidents. In January of 2014, an explosion occurred at the plant that resulted in OSHA fining them for several safety violations. A federal jury also found the company guilty of 14 criminal charges for polluting the air in 2013 in which they received a $12.5 million fine.
Every worker is entitled to work in an environment that is safe. However, many companies commit safety violations on a regular basis that places their employees at risk of being injured or killed in a work-related accident. In Missouri, injured workers are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits if they are employed at a company with five or more employees. Coverage for medical treatment and replacement of lost wages are provided through worker’s compensation insurance. However, the wages are only replaced at a rate of 66.6%. To receive the compensation you deserve, it is imperative to consult a worker’s compensation lawyer.
The worker’s compensation attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth believe you should not suffer additional damages due to an accident that was caused by another party’s negligence. Our attorneys will fight to hold your employer responsible for your injuries and work to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available for your damages. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a workplace accident, contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation.