In mid-April, it was reported that three employees at a North Carolina seed company were involved in an incident that left one of them dead and the other two with significant injuries. The workplace accident occurred at Cashwell & Jones in Mount Olive. The Department of Labor is now investigating the matter.
What happened?
According to reports, the three employees were in the process of installing a flag pole when the pole struck a power line. Sadly, one died at the scene from electrocution injuries. The other two suffered unspecified injuries and were transported to medical centers in Chapel Hill for treatment. The current conditions of both survivors are unknown; however, as of the latest news report, one of them was said to be in good condition.
The investigation
The state Department of Labor was called promptly after the incident occurred. It does not expect to release a report on the matter for several months. Cashwell & Jones is cooperating. Their only statement on the accident expressed condolences to the employees and their families.
Workers’ compensation
Following a workplace accident in North Carolina, surviving victims and family members of deceased victims may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In the case above, the employees who survived the incident may file workers’ comp claims in an effort to have their medical bills, rehabilitation costs and lost wages — among other things — covered while they recover. The family members of the deceased may file workers’ comp death benefits to seek monetary relief for lost wages and funeral expenses — among other losses. These individuals may turn to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for assistance, seeking fair coverage.