Getting hurt on the job is a serious concern for families and workers alike. If a worker is killed while on the job, it’s the family left with unanswered questions and claims to file for compensation. Fortunately, workers’ compensation generally takes care of families by providing death benefits. If your family needs help filing a claim or needs to seek a private claim against the employer if workers’ compensation isn’t available, your attorney can help.
This man’s family may be in a position like yours is today. He passed away after being involved in a big rig crash on Interstate 95. The man had been driving at around 6:15 p.m., when he lost control of his vehicle. Witnesses said the big rig had suddenly slowed before running off the road.
When the Freightliner ran off the road, it jackknifed into the woods bordering the highway. Then, the cabin and trailer burst into flames.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the 61-year-old driver did get out of the cab, but he was badly burned. One witness stopped to help; the man was still on fire, so the witness helped put out the flames. A tree appeared like it may fall, so the witness helped move the man to a safer location to avoid being struck. With help from other drivers, they pulled the man to safety.
Unfortunately, despite being flown to UNC’s Burn Center, the driver passed away from his injuries. His family did make a release to the press in which they stated that the man left behind a wife, two children and a grandson. He had been in the U.S. Army before taking a job as a truck driver.
Source: 11 Eyewitness News, “Truck Driver Who Died After 1-95 Big rig Accident Was Veteran,” Heather Waliga, July 21, 2016
