About 12 Americans were killed on the job every day in 2012, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those of us going to work rarely think about the fact that we may never go home again, but that happens every day. If a loved one employed by the federal government died as a result of a work-related injury or illness, we may be able to obtain compensation for your family.
BLS estimates there were 4,383 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2012, down from an estimated 4,693 fatal work injuries in 2011. The 2012 total is the second lowest estimate since these statistics were put together in 1992.
Ninety of those 2012 workplace deaths occurred in New Jersey. Thirty-four of the New Jersey work-related deaths happened in transportation accidents, and 22 workers were killed due to violence.
Transportation incidents accounted for more than 40 percent of fatal work injuries in 2012. Of the 1,789 transportation-related fatal injuries, about 58 percent were roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles. About 16 percent of fatal transportation incidents in 2012 involved pedestrians who were struck by vehicles. Of the 283 fatal work injuries involving pedestrians struck by vehicles, 65 occurred in work zones.
Government employees killed on the job
Fatal occupational injuries among government workers decreased 13 percent from 2011 to 438 fatal work injuries, the lowest fatal work injury total since the start of the fatality census. Both state and local government workers showed declines, though fatal injuries among federal government workers remained about the same.
The number of fatal work injuries among protective service occupations decreased 21 percent in 2012 to 224 fatalities, reaching the lowest count since 2003. According to BLS estimates, in the public administration/government category, 105 of those working in police and protective services were killed due to fatal work-related injuries. These numbers were 29 for those working in fire protection and 15 for those working in correctional institutions.
Death benefits for federal employees
If no child is eligible for benefits, the widow or widower’s compensation is 50 percent of the employee’s pay at the time of death, if death was due to the employment-related injury or disease. If a child or children are eligible for benefits, the widow or widower is entitled to 45 percent of the pay and each child is entitled to 15 percent.
Compensation to an employee’s surviving spouse terminates upon his or her death or remarriage (unless the remarriage takes place after the age of 55). Awards to children, brothers, sisters and grandchildren terminate at the age of 18, unless the dependent is incapable of self-support or continues to be a full-time student at an accredited institution, until he or she reaches the age of 23 or has completed four years of education beyond the high school level.
Contact Uliase & Uliase
At Uliase & Uliase, we have extensive knowledge of the federal workers’ compensation system. To schedule an appointment, contact our office online or call us at (856) 310-9002. We will meet with you weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We offer a free consultation for injured workers.
