Positive and negative trends in Colorado workplace accident stats

Regardless of the type of work they do, Colorado workers can suffer injuries and fatalities in a workplace accident. For those who are confronted with this unfortunate turn of events, workers’ compensation benefits are a necessity and a right. Workers’ comp can provide compensation for medical coverage and lost wages. Many might not realize that families who have lost a loved one in a workplace accident can get workers’ compensation death benefits. With the recent information regarding Colorado worker deaths, this is key.

The most recent statistics show that, in Colorado, fatal accidents for construction workers increased as overall worker deaths declined. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said in a report that there were 77 worker fatalities in 2017. This was a reduction from 81 the year before.

There was a reduction in the number of workers who died overall, but a 58 percent rise in construction worker fatalities in 2017. Many were accidents while on the road, but slip and fall accidents were also common. The Bureau of Labor Statistics saw no glaring connections in the research, but there is a chance that the increase in construction being done in Colorado could factor in with the rise in fatal accidents. There was a 250 percent rise in the last decade, which was slightly more than the numbers across the nation.

Whether it is an employer with a history and record of accidents or one that is adhering to all the safety requirements, workplace accidents can happen at any time with any job. Construction work is known to be risky, as it has inherent requirements that place workers in a position where accidents are bound to occur. These statistics are worrisome not just for workers, but for their families.

After an accident in which the worker survives, workers’ compensation claims can be imperative to get the medical coverage and the lost wages they need. After a fatality, a family might need workers’ compensation death benefits to make ends meet. Often, there is a disagreement regarding the workers’ comp, how long it should last, and if the injured worker or the family of a worker who died should get them at all. It is vital to remember the importance of calling a law firm that represents people impacted by a workplace accident to help get workers’ compensation benefits.

Category:

• WORKERS' COMPENSATION