The head of the Louisiana Cemetery and Parks Department was killed recently. It’s not yet clear exactly what happened, but a riding lawn mower was found on top of him. Due to the fact that the man died in the performance of his duties, his family may qualify for workers’ compensation death benefits to help them with finances as they cope with his loss.
From what has been pieced together so far, the lawn mower was on a ramp built by the man inside the work shed at the cemetery. It was approximately 14 inches above the ground to allow access to the underside of the lawn mower. It is believed that he was going to replace a hydraulic line when the accident occurred.
Since there were no tools in the vicinity of the man when he was found, there is supposition that he was trying to determine what tools he would use to make the repair and the mower somehow wasn’t secure. It ended up rolling onto the man’s chest. Essentially, he suffocated to death.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting the investigation into this tragic accident. The man had been with the Louisiana Cemetery and Parks Department since 1984 and had earned the respect of those he worked with over the years. His family may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits. To ensure his family receives all of the benefits to which they are entitled, it may be beneficial for them to seek the advice of someone that is familiar with the workers’ compensation laws and the procedures and paperwork necessary to obtain benefits.
Source: The Louisiana Press-Journal, “Louisiana city employee killed in accident,” May 6, 2013
