Man killed in freak Nebraska construction site accident
Omaha, NE – A 56-year-old man was killed on Wednesday, Nov. 30, in a work accident that took place at a construction site in Omaha. The workers were trying to connect two pipes when a bucket connected to a backhoe detached and fell on the man, later identified as Tracy Baslee, of Davey, NE. When the police arrived at the scene, the man was not breathing and had no pulse. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy.
Fatal work accident statistics
The latest figures available are for 2020, when, according to the US Department of Labor there were 4,764 fatal work injuries nationwide. In Nebraska, 48 people lost their lives in work accidents. More than half of those fatal injuries occurred in transportation incidents, with another 20% caused by contact with objects or equipment.
How can families recover damages for a fatal work accident in Nebraska?
When someone is killed in a work-related accident, the family of the deceased has the right to claim death benefits under Nebraska workers’ compensation law. The laws about who can file the claim and how much money they can recover are very complex, so it’s best to turn to an experienced workers compensation lawyer in Omaha for help.
Who can file a claim?
According to the law, the dependents of the deceased employee can file a claim. This refers primarily to the spouse and the children of the deceased. However, other relatives such as siblings, parents, grandparents, or grandchildren may be entitled to receive monetary compensation if they can prove they were dependent on the deceased. For instance, if the deceased had a disabled brother and took care of him, that person can claim compensation.
What types of damages can you recover under Nebraska’s workers compensation law?
Under Nebraska’s workers’ compensation law, the surviving spouse will receive two-thirds of the deceased employee’s wages. The payments will continue until the spouse remarries.
The children of the deceased may receive a so-called death benefit to compensate them for their laws.
Your lawyers will have to negotiate with the employer and their insurance provider to make sure you get all the benefits you are entitled to. It’s often best if you refrain from talking to any insurance company representative while negotiations are ongoing.
If the employee died after spending some time in the hospital, all medical expenses will be covered by insurance.
The family is also entitled to funeral and burial expenses. In Nebraska, such expenses are capped at $11,000.
How much time do I have to file a claim?
The statute of limitations for this type of claim is 2 years from the date of the death. If someone is grievously injured in a work accident and spends two months in the hospital before their death, the statute of limitations clock starts ticking from the day they succumb to their injuries.
If you were recently injured or you lost someone in a Nebraska work accident, schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney at the Rensch & Rensch Law firm, with offices in Omaha and Columbus. Their attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe them anything unless they win your case.
Contact info:
Toll-free: 800-471-4100
Omaha office:
7602 Pacific St #102, Omaha, NE 68114
Columbus office:
1470 25th Ave, Columbus, NE 68601
