Why Does Tennessee Wrongful Death in the Workplace Happen?

When a loved one dies on-the-job in Tennessee, the emotional and financial hardships can devastate families. But when the death was preventable – someone or something caused it – then the law considers the death to be wrongful and the negligent party can be held responsible for the losses suffered by survivors.

In 2010, there were 137 fatal occupational injuries in Tennessee. This was a 23% increase over 2009. The data for these deaths includes:

• 95 salaried and 42 self-employed workers died on-the-job
• 122 of the fatalities were men and 15 were women
• 26% were between the ages of 45 and 54
• By trade, 32% were drivers/sales workers and truck drivers; 13% agricultural managers; 12% logging workers; 8% carpenters; 4% construction laborers; and 4% roofers

So, what caused these 137 Tennessee workplace fatalities? The 2010 Tennessee Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries provides the breakdown. There were:

• 50 transportation incidents
• 31 due to contact with objects and equipment
• 21 due to falls
• 15 due to assaults and violent acts
• 13 due to exposure to harmful substances or environments
• 5 due to fires and explosions

In addition, the report provides statistics for the places where these work-related deaths occurred:

• Street or highway: 29%
• Industrial place and premises 19%
• Private residence 13%
• Farm 12%
• Public building 11%
• Other 16%

Many jobs are dangerous for American workers. But strict guidelines and safety procedures can prevent workplace accidents. Unfortunately, corners are cut and people die as a result. Some of the causes for these inexcusable wrongful deaths include:

• Improper or inadequate maintenance of equipment.
• Poorly designed or manufactured equipment.
• Inadequate employee training, especially in more hazardous trades.
• Ignoring safety regulations and/or the need for required safety equipment.
• Fatigue in workers who work longer than the recommended hours. This is especially common in truckers.
• Objects that are left in the way or fall from a height.
• Exposure to hazardous materials without proper ventilation, safety equipment or warning.

If you have lost a loved one to a Tennessee wrongful workplace death, you may know for certain – or suspect – what caused it. This is no time to let the insurance companies dictate your future. By contacting a Tennessee wrongful death attorney, you can begin to control your own destiny.

Bailey & Greer provides comprehensive, aggressive, caring wrongful death representation for clients in Tennessee and Mississippi, including Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville, Arlington, Lakeland and all of Shelby, Fayette and Tipton Counties.