Construction Worker Dies at Tampa International Airport

Airport workers face hazards that few people fully appreciate. The extent of these hazards was made clear by a recent fatal accident at the Tampa International Airport, with one employee losing their life. What can you do if your loved one passes away in an airport accident in Tampa? Should you file a workers’ compensation claim? How can you cover unpaid medical expenses, funeral costs, missed wages, and other losses? These are questions you might want to ask an experienced Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer.

Accident on Shuttle Track Claims Airport Worker’s Life 

In July of 2024, various media sources reported that a construction worker had died while working at the Tampa International Airport. The fatal accident allegedly involved a shuttle track renovation project, and it has been attributed to “equipment failure.” The worker was reportedly operating a track hoe which fell off the track for unknown reasons. The fall caused critical injuries, and the worker lost his life despite initially surviving and receiving treatment.

Various investigative bodies are now looking into the incident – including the Airport Police and OSHA. The contractor involved with this project has vowed to cooperate at every step of this investigation.

Media sources have noted that accidents on airport ramps are exceedingly rare. They also note that equipment failure is even rarer in these incidents. According to one metric, only three people have died on airport ramps within the three past years – across the entire globe. Most of these incidents involved individuals being sucked into turbines, and fatal track hoe incidents are virtually unheard of.

At the end of the day, however, this accident involved an active construction site – and construction is always a dangerous business for workers. The renovation project will likely be put on hold, and this incident highlights the dangers of all construction sites – whether they exist in downtown Tampa or at the airport.

What Should I Do If My Loved One Died in an Airport Accident?

 If your loved one died while working at an airport, you may have various sources of compensation to consider. The most obvious option is to file a workers’ compensation claim and pursue “death benefits.”

Death benefits provide surviving dependents with compensation for missed future wages. These dependents might include seniors, children, and spouses. When you receive compensation for future missed wages, you receive approximately what your loved one would have earned throughout the rest of their career. This compensation can be quite significant, and you can also receive compensation for funeral expenses, unpaid medical costs, and other damages.

Find an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Tampa 

If you’ve been searching for an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Tampa, look no further than The Franco Law Firm. We are fully aware of how dangerous airports can be for average workers. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or you have lost a loved one, it may be possible to recover compensation for your damages. Reach out today to learn more about your legal options.

Sources: 

wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/construction-worker-dies-in-onsite-accident-at-tampa-international-airport-police/

simpleflying.com/tampa-international-airport-construction-worker-fatal-accident/