On December 30, 2011, the spouse of a manufacturing worker killed after a steel ladle unexpectedly erupted and discharged melted steel on him filed suit in New Orleans federal court against his employer and the manufacturer of the steel ladle. Samuel N. Moyer received third degree burns when the ladle purportedly malfunctioned on February 1, 2011 while he was working as a furnace second helper at ArcelorMittal Laplace steel manufacturing mill. He died as a result of his injuries two days later . Moyer's wife filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Signal Metal Industries Inc., Danieli Corp., North American Refractories Co., Siemens Vai Services, and Black Diamond Capital Management seeking compensation for conscious physical suffering and pain, mental suffering and pain, medical and funeral expenses, court costs, and other damages such as loss of support and grief. She has alleged the steel ladle itself as well as a transfer car, nest block assembly, and stir plugs were unduly hazardous in design, composition, and manufacture. She also claims the defendants failed to warn Moyer of the hazards associated with the equipment and alleges the equipment failed to conform to the manufacturer's express warranty. Each year, literally thousands of deaths result from tragic events such as motor vehicle and workplace accidents. The death of someone close to you is always overwhelming, but it can be particularly devastating when the death resulted from a preventable accident. When a wrongful death occurs at a workplace, a death beneficiary may sue an at-fault third-party for damages beyond those available under traditional workers' compensation laws. In most instances of wrongful death, certain family members, referred to as death beneficiaries, will have a claim for damages against the at-fault party. A death beneficiary is generally the spouse of the person who died, but may also be the individual's child, a parent, or even a sibling or grandparent under certain circumstances. In Louisiana, the death beneficiary of an accident victim may bring both a wrongful death claim and a survival claim. A beneficiary may bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party for their own loss of financial support and a loss of love and affection which resulted from the death. Additionally, a beneficiary may bring a survival action claim to recover for the decedent's conscious suffering and pain, lost wages, and any medical expenses which may have occurred prior to the wrongful death. If your loved one has been killed in a tragic accident, it is important to know your rights before talking to the at-fault party's insurance company. Call J. Price McNamara, a Baton Rouge wrongful death attorney, for a free initial consultation. Our skilled and diligent personal injury lawyers represent clients throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Metairie, New Orleans, Lafayette, and Mandeville. To speak with an accident attorney at our firm, call J. Price McNamara at (866) 248-0580 today. You may also contact us through our website.
J. Price McNamara
Attorney
Losing my own brother, then my father and sister after long, disabling illnesses just a few months apart drove a career change for me. Before that experience, I never truly understood the place you’re in. I never understood the dramatic impact that receiving (or not receiving) the disability and life insurance benefits you paid for and counted on can have on your life especially when you need to focus on family and healing. What I experienced with my own family now drives the way I view my clients and my work, and I will never forget it!
Author's Bio