A tragic construction accident recently claimed the life of a worker in Miami Beach, underscoring the dangers faced by those in the construction industry. The incident, which occurred on a job site near Ocean Terrace, is being investigated as a potential traffic homicide, which may involve heavy machinery or road-related hazards. While the exact details of this accident remain under investigation, it raises important questions about the legal protections available to construction workers and their families when a fatal accident occurs on the job.
In Florida, construction workers are exposed to numerous daily risks, from falls and equipment malfunctions to vehicle collisions on or near construction sites. When these risks lead to injury or death, legal options are available to the worker or their surviving family members, including workers’ compensation benefits and, in some cases, wrongful death lawsuits. Understanding the distinctions between these legal options is essential for ensuring the family receives the full compensation they deserve.
The Role of Workers’ Compensation in Construction Accidents
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system designed to provide financial assistance to employees who are injured or killed while on the job. In the event of a construction worker’s death, the worker’s surviving family members may be entitled to death benefits under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws. These benefits generally include coverage for funeral expenses and a percentage of the worker’s lost wages up to a certain limit. However, workers’ compensation is limited in scope—it does not provide compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or loss of companionship.