A St. Louis man recently died in a deadly industrial accident. The worker apparently became trapped in a packing machine at the north St. Louis Pepsi bottling plant. The accident was discovered by a co-worker returning from a break. Police pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Falls are among the most common causes of on-the-job accidents. More than 100 Missouri workers die in occupational accidents annually and thousands more are injured. Under law, employees injured on the job and the dependents of workers killed as the result of a workplace accident are entitled to certain compensation and benefits. The Missouri’s Worker’s Compensation Act allows an employee to file a claim for injuries caused by work duties. Should an employee be killed on the job, qualifying survivors may be eligible to receive weekly benefits.

When a St. Louis worker is seriously injured or dies on the job, his family not only loses a spouse and parent, it frequently loses its primary breadwinner. Loss of income can precipitate a financial crisis as the worker’s family struggles to pay medical and hospital bills, make mortgage payments, pay utility bills and buy groceries. Experienced St. Louis personal injury attorneys can assist families in obtaining the compensation to which they are entitled.

When a St. Louis accident is caused by negligence on the part of an employer or co-worker, the worker or his surviving family members may also be able to bring a personal injury claim against the party responsible for the accident. The experienced St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman can review your case and advise you of your legal options.