Minnesota workers might be interested in a recent worksite incident in Indiana that inflicted serious damage upon at least nine individuals working there. On July 1, an explosion at a domestic automaker’s metal-stamping plant near Fort Wayne reportedly left one worker dead and hospitalized eight others.
The explosion reportedly occurred at approximately 1:50 p.m. A representative for the automaker described the explosion as “small” and said that it was chemical in nature. Immediately following the explosion, officials reportedly evacuated the plant, which produces material for the automaker’s various vehicles. Altogether, more than 1,600 employees work at the plant, reportedly.
It was not clear in the immediate aftermath of the event what caused the explosion. The automaker indicated that it has commenced an investigation into the incident.
For the most part, the plant was closed for the remainder of the day. Authorities reported that first-shift employees were expected to return to work the following day. Moreover, authorities reported that the hospitalized workers had been released after observation.
As this case illustrates, disastrous incidents at industrial worksites can be devastating. The truth is that industrial workers’ accidents can result in injuries that are more serious and costly than injuries suffered at other, more sedentary workplaces. Industrial workers’ injuries often require multiple visits to the doctor, intensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation and substantial time off from work. However, injured workers may seek recourse through the Minnesota workers’ compensation law.
By retaining a workers’ compensation attorney and filing a claim, injured workers may seek a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to medical care benefits, rehabilitation benefits and wage-loss benefits. The type of benefits that an injured worker might receive is determined by the nature of the injuries that the worker suffered.
Source: Bloomberg, “One Worker Dies, Eight Injured After Blast at GM Plant“, Tim Higgins, July 01, 2014