Statistics on fatal work accidents

In 2015 — the latest year for which there is complete data — there were 4,836 fatal work-related injuries in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Regrettably, this reflects an increase in comparison to 2014, when 4,821 deadly work injuries were reported. Also, there was an increase in deadly work-related traffic accidents.

In the construction industry, workplace accidents are far too prevalent. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 21 percent of the 4,379 workplace deaths that occurred in the private sector during 2015 involved construction accidents. Although construction workers face many risks while performing their job duties, some areas of particular concern include electrocution, getting caught in equipment, being struck by objects, and falls.

When a fatal accident happens in the workplace, the death and loss and can be devastating for the worker’s family. From financial hardships to emotional pain that will never go away, life is challenging for families who lose a loved one in an unexpected work accident. Families need to be aware of their legal options for obtaining financial compensation and holding negligent parties accountable, and bringing a wrongful death claim is the right thing to do for many grieving families.