Authorities report that a construction accident on April 13 at the King of Prussia Mall claimed the life of one worker and left two others injured. The worker, a 36-year-old man who was involved in the mall's expansion project, was electrocuted and died two days after the accident.
According to the report, the construction worker was severely injured when he came in contact with a 20-amp, 30,000-volt energized cable. The cable came from above the man where other crew members were using a scissor jack lift to cut several electrical lines.
Officers who responded to the scene took the injured employee to a secure area and immediately performed CPR and other first-aid techniques in an attempt to save his life. He was transported to Paoli Hospital for further treatment. However, on April 15, the worker, who was from Norristown, succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital. Another construction worker was also injured in the electrocution accident but survived. For precautionary reasons, a third employee was evaluated at Paoli Hospital. A representative for the Chester County Coroner's Office stated that the construction worker's death has been ruled an accidental electrocution.
When a fatal construction accident occurs, the decedent's surviving family members have a right to file for workers' compensation benefits, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the accident. In the claim, the family may receive death and burial benefits. Death benefits may compensate the family for a certain amount of their household income lost because of the death of their loved one. Burial benefits might cover the family's end-of-life expenses such as funeral costs. Many families in similar circumstances retain the services of a local workers' compensation attorney who may be able to help them fully understand what benefits they are entitled to receive.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal, "Construction worker dies after accident at KofP Mall expansion," Jeff Blumenthal, April 17, 2015
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