Fatal workplace accidents can leave families left behind facing many challenges which is also true of non-fatal workplace accidents and the harm they can cause injured workers. During 2017, the number of fatal workplace injuries in Mississippi equaled 90 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was an increase of 19 additional fatal workplace injuries from the previous year. In total, there were 5,147 fatal workplace injuries throughout the country during 2017.
Transportation injuries accounted for 61% of fatal workplace injuries in Mississippi during 2017. Transportation injuries also accounted for the highest percentage of fatal workplace injuries nationally during 2017. Private industry accounted for 73% of the 90 fatal workplace accidents and construction, manufacturing, transportation and the warehousing industry sectors accounted for 38 of the fatalities. Fatalities in the construction and private manufacturing sectors were up, while private transportation and warehousing fatal injuries were down.
A fatal workplace accident leaves a family with financial and emotional challenges they may not have been prepared to face and they may struggle emotionally and financially as a result. It is important for victims of workplace accidents and surviving family members of victims of fatal workplace accidents to be familiar with the different resources available to help them. One option is workers’ compensation benefits which can provide help with medical expenses and lost wages and also provide death benefits in circumstances of a fatal accident.
A fatal workplace accident can be an unexpected tragedy families are not prepared to have to face. When they do find themselves facing the unthinkable, it is important for them to be familiar with the resources available to help them in the days following the loss of their loved one.
