When you hear about wrongful death at work, what comes to your mind? People generally imagine high-risk or hazardous industries like construction, manufacturing and other industrial work. Sadly, however, tragic accidents and cases of wrongful death happen in white collar settings, too.
While offices may seem safer, this does not mean they are without their share of dangers and tragic deaths. Below are common hazards or possible causes of wrongful death in the office or administrative occupations.
Slip-and-fall accidents
Slips and falls can happen anywhere, not just in blue collar jobs. Below are examples of causes that may lead to slip-and-fall accidents in the office:
- Slippery or wet floors
- Loose carpeting
- Cluttered walkways
- Loose cables or electrical wiring
- Uneven surfaces
Any of the above can cause serious accidents that may result in head injuries, spinal cord damage or other fatal complications.
Fire hazards
The National Fire Incident Reporting System found that around 16,500 fires occur in offices and stores across the U.S. each year. Faulty or damaged wiring and overloaded electrical outlets can potentially start office fires. In particular, server rooms and offices with many computers or similar equipment have a higher risk of electrical fires.
Workplace violence
Unfortunately, violence between colleagues or even between employees and clients sometimes occurs in office environments. Most cases of workplace violence result in just injuries, but fatalities do still happen. Even a single punch can kill a person.
A blow to the head can cause fatal damage to the brain. A punch anywhere else on the body can also cause the person to hit their head on the floor or other hard surfaces, leading to similar fatal results.
Negligence in the workplace
Deaths can occur in any work environment due to negligent actions or unsafe workplace conditions on the part of employers or co-workers. Failure to maintain equipment and insufficient security or safety training are just two examples of negligence that may lead to the wrongful death of your loved one.
When employers or other parties fail to uphold their duty of care, it’s important to hold them accountable for their actions. If you’ve lost a loved one in a workplace accident, you may seek justice and compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.