According to a report from Fox 4 Kansas City, a rally was organized to support a construction worker who was killed in a tragic accident at the former AT&T building. Rudolfo Garcia was killed when he fell 14 stories down an elevator shaft that was under renovation. Here, our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer explains what we know about the elevator shaft construction accident.
A Worker Fell 14 Stories to Death in Kansas City Elevator Shaft Accident
In July, emergency crews were called to respond to a serious incident at the former AT&T building in Downtown Kansas City. Upon arriving at the scene, they determined that a construction worker named Rudolfo Garcia fell more than a dozen stories to his death in an elevator shaft accident.
An elevator repair can be an extremely dangerous job. Construction consistently remains one of the most dangerous industries for U.S. workers. Approximately 20% of workplace fatalities reported nationwide come from construction. Falls from height are a relatively common problem.
A Rally to Support the Deceased Worker
A rally was organized to support the deceased construction worker. Notably, Mr. Garcia, whose age is still unknown, was reportedly an undocumented immigrant. Unfortunately, this left him outside of the full protection of many federal and state workplace safety regulations and labor regulations.
Manny Abarca of the Fair Contracting Alliance emphasized the need for enhanced safety protocols for after-hours workers. This nonprofit aims to protect all employees, regardless of immigration status, ensuring they benefit from safety and wage laws. Organize KC—which advocates for Kansas City workers—emphasized that immigrants without permanent legal status are especially at risk.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims After Construction Accidents
Construction sites are notorious for their inherent dangers, and accidents can lead to devastating injuries or even death. For families of workers who have tragically passed away due to such incidents, a workers’ compensation claim for death benefits is often the primary remedy. In both Kansas and Missouri, the workers’ comp insurance system offers the primary legal remedy.
However, there are certain situations that can complicate matters. Uninsured workers, for instance, may not be eligible for workers’ compensation and might need to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation. Beyond that, if a third party—defined as any party other than the employer of the deceased worker—is found responsible for the accident, the family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim against that party in addition to the workers’ comp benefits.
Contact Our Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer is a compassionate advocate for grieving families. If your family member was killed in a construction accident or any other type of incident, our team is here to help. Call us now or contact our law firm online for a free consultation. With an office in Kansas City, we handle wrongful death claims in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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