Worker Killed In McDuffie County Bucket Truck Accident

Jeb Butler | | Truck Accident

Utility Worker Died Following Car Accident Involving Bucket Truck and Cable Line In McDuffie County

MCDUFFIE COUNTY, GEORGIA (April 22, 2024) – A utility worker from Tamarac, Florida tragically died while running a cable truck accidentline as he was working out of his bucket truck.

McDuffie County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:45 p.m. on Friday. The utility worker was running a cable line that was stretched across the road.

A passing vehicle collided with the cable line, causing the worker to be seriously injured. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the worker.

He was extricated from the bucket truck with serious injuries. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead around 4:25 p.m. that same day.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For McDuffie County Bucket Truck Accidents 

Despite continued improvements in workplace safety standards, thousands of workers are killed or seriously injured on the job each year in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “There were 5,486 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2022, a 5.7-percent increase from 5,190 in 2021. The fatal work injury rate was 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, up from 3.6 per 100,000 FTE in 2021.” There are a number of steps that utility companies should take to help keep their workers safe.

  • Training: All workers should be provided comprehensive training on safety procedures, equipment usage, and emergency protocols.
  • Personal Protective Equipment: Workers should have access to personal protective equipment (PPE). This may include helmets, gloves, and insulated tools.
  • Risk Assessment: Companies should conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate workplace hazards.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Companies should ensure compliance with all safety regulations.

When a worker is injured or killed on the job, they or their family will typically have recourse through the worker’s compensation system. Worker’s compensation in Georgia operates off of a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for a worker or their family to demonstrate that someone is at fault. Even if a worker somehow contributes to an accident, they will still be covered. The family of a deceased worker may also be able to seek aid through a third-party liability claim.

A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. This may include the company responsible for maintaining a worksite in a safe condition. Typically, when workers have to operate in or around roadways, these areas should be sectioned off with cones or other devices. If a general contractor failed to section off an area and a worker was injured in a car accident, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Several steps should be taken after any workplace accident.

  • Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
  • A police report of the incident should be created.
  • An investigation by OSHA should be conducted.
  • Photos of the accident site should be taken.

Many workplace accidents are entirely preventable. They are much more likely to occur when safety procedures are not being followed. This could take place because a company is attempting to save money by cutting corners. It is important that workers and their families understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim.

Investigating McDuffie County Bucket Truck Accidents

We at Butler Kahn extend our deepest condolences to the family of the worker who died in this McDuffie County bucket truck accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this.

Do you need more information about a McDuffie County bucket truck accident? Our team of worker’s rights advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping workers understand their rights and fighting to make sure that those rights are protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 678-940-1444.

Jeb Butler

Jeb Butler’s career as a Georgia trial lawyer has led to a $150 million verdict in a product liability case against Chrysler for a dangerous vehicle design that caused the death of a child, a $45 million settlement for a young man who permanently lost the ability to walk and talk, and numerous other verdicts and settlements, many of which are confidential at the defendant’s insistence. Jeb has worked on several cases that led to systemic changes and improvements in public safety. He has been repeatedly recognized as a Georgia SuperLawyer and ranks among Georgia’s legal elite. Jeb graduated in the top 10% of his class at UGA Law, argued on the National Moot Court team, and published in the Law Review. He is the founding partner of Butler Kahn law firm. Connect with me on LinkedIn