Fatal workplace accident statistics in South Florida are up

On behalf of Eisenmenger, Robinson & Peters, P.A. posted in Wrongful Death on Friday, February 06, 2015.

One of the last things that a person who says goodbye to a loved one believes when he or she heads out to work is that it will be the last time they’ll see that person. This is why it’s such a shock when a fatal workplace accident occurs. These accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and a concern for residents in Florida is that the number of wrongful death workplace incidents in 2013 increased in spite of the national numbers decreasing.

The causes for this were numerous and included incidents with tools, shootings in the workplace and automobile accidents. In South Florida alone, there were 78 fatal workplace incidents in 2013. That is a rise from 66 in the previous year. There were 59 in 2011 and there were 52 in 2010. These numbers come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Interestingly, the numbers nationally were decreasing simultaneously to the Florida increase. Nationally, in 2013, there were 4,405 workplace deaths. In 2012, there were 4,628. South Florida ranked sixth in these work fatalities across the country.

Overall in the state, there were 234 deaths in 2013. That was an increase from 218 in 2012. California and Texas were the only states that had higher numbers of work fatalities. While the numbers weren’t separated by region, the causes were detailed. Transportation incidents caused the highest number of deaths at 84. After that, there were falling accidents with 56. Violence from other people or animals was at 47. Dangerous objects or equipment accidents was next at 26. Harmful or dangerous substances had 19.

The reason for this might lie in demographics as a larger number of Hispanic workers across the country were hurt in work accidents. With a high proportion of Hispanics, this could be part of the reason that the numbers are higher in Florida. No matter the reason the accident happened, those who have suffered the loss of companionship, loss of financial support and other issues due to a loved one’s wrongful death need to understand how to seek compensation. For help, discussing the matter with a legal professional may be beneficial.

Source: bizjournals.com, “Workplace deaths becoming more common in South Florida,” Brian Bandell, Sept. 11, 2014

Tags: compensationfatal workplace accidentloss of companionshipWrongful death