According to a report from KCTV, the family of a worker killed in a serious elevator accident has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company. They allege that a product defect by the manufacturer contributed to a fatal 14-story fall. Our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer can help if you have lost a loved one in an elevator accident.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in Kansas City for 14-Story Elevator Fall Accident
As confirmed by reporting from KCTV, a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed after a devastating construction accident in downtown Kansas City claimed the life of a worker who reportedly fell 14 stories down an elevator shaft. The fatal, tragic construction accident happened while the man was working at a high-rise project site in the city.
Family members allege that multiple elevator-related companies were involved in work connected to the shaft and equipment at the property. The accident has drawn significant attention because of the extreme height of the fall and the serious questions raised about jobsite safety procedures and the lack of hazard protection.
Fatal Fall Accidents are One of the Biggest Risks in the Construction Industry
The worker’s family has now filed a wrongful death lawsuit against three different elevator companies that they believe may bear responsibility for the fatal incident. The civil wrongful death lawsuit reportedly alleges that failures involving safety measures, inspection procedures, and worksite protections contributed to the tragedy.
Fatal falls remain one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry, particularly on large commercial projects involving elevator shafts and unfinished structures. Families affected by these accidents are often left dealing with overwhelming emotional trauma, financial hardship, and unanswered questions about how the incident could have happened.
Workplace Deaths in Missouri: Workers’ Comp and Wrongful Death Claims
In Missouri, a fatal workplace accident may give rise to both a workers’ compensation claim and, in some cases, a separate wrongful death lawsuit. Missouri’s workers’ compensation system generally provides death benefits to surviving dependents of an employee who died as a result of a work-related injury or occupational illness. Benefits may include funeral expenses and ongoing wage-loss compensation for qualifying family members. However, workers’ compensation is often considered the “exclusive remedy” against the direct employer under Missouri law.
However, that restriction does not necessarily bar claims against negligent third parties. A wrongful death lawsuit may still be pursued against contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, maintenance companies, or other entities whose negligence contributed to the fatal incident. Unlike workers’ compensation benefits, a wrongful death claim may allow recovery for a broader range of damages, including loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and the full financial impact of the worker’s death on surviving family members.
Call Our Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer is a compassionate, experienced advocate for grieving families. If your loved one was hurt in an accident, we can help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation. We are committed to fighting for justice for families in and around Kansas City, including in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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