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Tree trimmer killed when tree falls unexpectedly

Workers who trim and remove trees use many kinds of safety equipment, including hard hats, safety harnesses and specially designed boots and shoes. Occasionally, however, even the most mindful of precautions can be defeated by unexpected events, as was recently demonstrated by a fatal accident on the job in Trumbull.

The worker was employed by a tree removal service that had been hired to remove a tree from the lot occupied by a Pinewood Trail home. The man wore a safety harness as he climbed the tree to a height estimated to be 45 feet. According to co-workers, he began to trim the upper branches when the tree broke at its base. The trimmer was still holding on to the branches when the tree hit the ground. The worker was taken to Bridgeport hospital where he died from his injuries.

The exact cause of the accident is unknown, but it may make no difference. The worker’s family is entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits without regard to the cause of the accident. Early reports of the mishap appear to indicate that no other parties were working at the site when the accident occurred, and thus, legal liability of possible third parties will not be an issue.

Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one in a workplace accident may wish to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer about obtaining financial compensation. A capable attorney can explain the law, evaluate the facts and assist the family in making a claim for benefits. If the claim should be denied, a seasoned attorney can handle any appeal that may be necessary to obtain benefits.

Source: CT Post, “Police: Tree worker dies in Trumbull,” Tara O’Neill, April 14, 2018

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