Workplace accident sends 11 to the hospital

The potential for injury at work is a real concern for millions of workers. Not only can a workplace accident in Massachusetts result in medical bills, a person injured while performing his or her job responsibilities may be unable to work while he or she recovers. Investigators are continuing their investigation into an accident that, unfortunately, sent 11 workers to the hospital recently.

News reports indicate that the accident occurred at approximately 7 a.m. one morning on a day in mid-December. The injuries reportedly happened as a result of an equipment malfunction at Axiall Corp, a company that manufactures chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, chlorine and caustic soda. A boiler reportedly ruptured, releasing steam that caused the worker’s injuries.

Eleven workers were reportedly sent to four different hospitals as a result of the accident. The extent of their injuries is unclear. Company officials say that the boiler, which is powered by coal, has since been shut down.

As many workplace accident victims in Massachusetts and across the country are aware, injuries such as this have much more than physical ramifications. Often, medical bills can leave an injured worker struggling financially. Fortunately, states require that employers provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage to help protect injured workers in the event of such injuries. These benefits can provide for lost wages and medical costs, in addition to other expenses related to workplace injuries. To ensure that they are treated fairly by the insurance company, many people ask professionals with experience with the compensation process to help guide them through the process.

Source: wchstv.com, “Eleven Workers Injured In Marshall County Plant Accident Released From Hospital”, Dec. 16, 2015