Ontario steel company worker killed in forklift accident
An accident at a steel company in Mississauga claimed the life of a male employee, according to reports. The incident, which involved a forklift, occurred around 9:30 a.m. on March 23. Responding to a medical emergency, rescue personnel from Peel Region arrived and declared the 62-year-old employee dead. The medical emergency, however, was actually a work-related accident, a representative for local law enforcement officials stated.
According to the preliminary investigation, an employee who was operating a forklift apparently hit another employee with the machine, killing him. The 42-year-old forklift driver then tried to evade the police who arrived at the scene but was later arrested. The suspect faces charges for failing to remain at the scene of a collision causing death. The report indicated that it was unknown if Ontario’s Ministry of Labour was alerted of the incident.
When someone suffers a fatal workplace injury due to the negligence of another employee, the decedent’s grieving relatives might consider retaining a personal injury lawyer who may be able to help them recover economic damages stemming from the loss. However, they may need to provide evidence suggesting that negligence led to the death of their loved one.
By analyzing information from the police report and witness accounts, a lawyer representing the family represents the family’s claims in a civil court that the accident was caused by the negligent conduct of the accused person. In addition, evidence supporting any criminal charges filed against the defendant may be used in the civil case. Plaintiffs who prevail in wrongful death claims are often compensated for future losses of household income, medical expenses and funeral costs. In some circumstances, families may also recover non-economic losses such as loss of companionship, care and guidance.
Source: northumberlandnews.com, “One dead, one arrested in Mississauga workplace accident with forklift,” Louie Rosella, March 23, 2015; cambridgetimes.ca, “UPDATE: Man charged with failing to remain in forklift death,” March 23, 2015