A Workplace Death Attorney Can Help You Face the Future
A work-related death can have a devastating emotional impact on your family. At the same time, a fatality can also impact your family’s finances for years into the future. Fortunately, you can often pursue a wrongful death claim or file for worker’s compensation on behalf of your loved one. These cases can quickly become very complicated, so it is so essential to seek representation from an experienced workplace death attorney. At his Fresno, CA, office, Attorney Gilbert E. Fisher focuses exclusively on worker’s compensation and work injury claims. His own father was gravely injured in a work-related accident and he understands the trauma that you are experiencing. He can offer compassionate personal guidance while fighting aggressively for your rights.
Work-Related Death
A work-related death could be the result of a tragic accident like a slip and fall, exposure to harmful chemicals, or another preventable scenario. Loved ones and dependents of someone who has passed away may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Contact The Law Firm of Gilbert E. Fisher to schedule a free consultation.
What Types of Injuries Can Lead to a Work-Related Fatality?
Accidents can occur anywhere, but there are certain types of workplace injuries that are more likely to result in fatal injuries, such as:
- Car accidents that happen on the job
- Electrocution
- Falls, especially from high structures, such as scaffolds
- Being caught in between heavy objects
- Falling objects like a piece of machinery or scaffolding
Due to the nature of their occupations, certain workers face higher risks on the job than others. For instance, construction, factory, and agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable to fatal injuries.
Filling a Wrongful Death Claim
Typically, only dependents are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. In most cases, spouses and children under age 18 are considered dependents. Sometimes, however, stepchildren, aged parents, disabled adult children, and other relatives who relied financially on the deceased may be labeled dependents.
If you are eligible to file a wrongful death suit, you can seek damages to cover several different expenses. Compensation can include funeral costs and medical bills prior to your loved one’s death. Most significantly, the compensation can also cover the income your spouse would have made. In some cases, it can even include funds for your children’s education. If you are a stay-at-home parent, it may allow you to continue on in this role without feeling burdened financially.
Establishing Your Case
To wage a successful wrongful death lawsuit against an employer, you must be able to prove three things. You must establish that the employer had a “duty of care” to protect your loved one. Employers are responsible for keeping their workplaces free from unnecessary hazards and for implementing proper safety protocol. You must also prove that the defendant knowingly or negligently disregarded the duty of care and that your loved one’s death was the direct result of this neglect.
If your loved one died due to a work related injury, but there is no evidence of wrongdoing, you still have legal options. Attorney Gilbert Fisher can help you explore all legal options and determine the best route to pursue.
However, to obtain worker’s compensation, you do not have to prove that the employer was responsible. Therefore, if your loved one died due to a work related injury, but there is no evidence of wrongdoing, you still have legal options. Attorney Gilbert Fisher can help you explore all legal options and determine the best route to pursue. He will provide empathetic assistance while fighting tirelessly on your behalf. To protect your interests, he strives to settle outside of our whenever possible, but is willing and able to aggressively fight in court if necessary.
Seek Legal Support
If you are reeling in the aftermath of your loved one’s work related death, contact our office online to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. You can also call (559) 447-1210 to speak to a sensitive and knowledgeable member of our team.
