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September 27, 2024
Lancaster County Worker Killed in Fall Accident
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Alexei Rodriguez-Balciero, 42, was killed after falling through an open grate into a vent shaft in the Holiday Inn, Lancaster County, at 3 PM on June 10.
Typically, a steel grate covers the open hole. However, the Lancaster City Bureau of Police’s initial investigation says the cover was temporarily removed for maintenance work.
More so, the police reported that the hotel employee was discovered unconscious, and despite attempts to revive him, they were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni affirmed that the victim’s passing was an accident—and that an autopsy determined that Rodriguez-Balciero’s death was due to the multiple traumatic injuries he sustained upon falling.
As the investigation is still ongoing, witnesses were asked to coordinate with Lancaster investigators.
Holiday Inn to provide counseling to affected employees
The Holiday Inn released a statement confirming the passing of one of its employees and announcing that they are cooperating with the authorities investigating the tragic slip and fall accident.
They are firm that the safety and well-being of their employees is their top priority. As per the inn, emergency services were called, and necessary procedures were performed to ensure employee safety following the accident.
Paul Kremp, the inn’s General Manager, shared the management’s next steps for attending to the needs of all employees affected by the incident.
“In the meantime, we will be mobilizing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide counseling and support to all employees affected by this incident. We are also conducting an internal review to reinforce our commitment to workplace safety and to prevent such tragedies in the future.” Kremp said.
The complete statement of the inn can be read here.
About slip and fall accident injuries in the workplace
If you think of it, a hotel is a less hazardous workplace than construction and manufacturing sites.
The death of Rodriguez-Balciero at the inn only proves that a slip and fall accident can happen to employees of any workplace. In fact, a trip or slip hazard leading to a fall is the second-most common cause of workplace injuries such as concussions, deep bruising, fractures, or worse, death.
A statistic from the National Safety Council (NFC) in 2022 reveals that 865 workers have died due to falls, and hundreds of thousands were badly injured that they needed to skip days of work.
Some of the most common causes of this type of accident are:
Dark spaces, poor lighting
Debris, broken, wet, or uneven floors
Potholes, spills, plumbing leaks and breaks
Unsuitable floor coverings
It is essential to note that whatever damage a slip and fall case has caused you or your family member, the injured or the family of the deceased are likely entitled to a workers’ compensation claim.
How a work injury lawyer supports your claim
Slips and falls account for the most common cause of workers’ compensation claims.
If you have suffered a fall accident on duty or while you are on work premises for any purposes related to work, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Although the exact amount of money you’ll receive depends on your injury’s severity and the effects it imposes on your life, a fall at work lawyer can stand with you in obtaining compensation for the full cost of the damages. They can be your advocate, ensuring a fair and dignified process for your claims.
Specifically, here are some reasons why you should hire a work injury lawyer:
- They can help you in acquiring maximum claims or awards for their injured clients’ damages
- They handle communications to the insurance company
- You may be required to see a doctor for an exam arranged by the insurance company. A workers’ compensation or fall at work lawyer can ensure that the doctor evaluates injuries thoroughly and fairly.
Workers’ compensation lawyers for slip and fall injuries and deaths
After a slip and fall accident, there are four steps you can take:
- Seeking medical attention
- Look for slip and fall hazards that may have contributed to the accident
- Report the incident to your superior as much as possible
Hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you prevent creating any errors that could negatively affect the settlement or compensation you receive.
Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP specializes in offering legal assistance and guidance to workers who were victims of work accidents and have been denied their claims.
Our team of lawyers can handle work-related injury claims including but not limited to hearing damage or loss, shoulder, back, respiratory organs injuries, head injuries, illnesses caused by toxin exposure, and death due to a work activity.
For more information, reach out to Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP at 1-800-568-7500. We provide free consultations with our attorneys and help you better understand your legal options.
