A 42-year-old Pennsylvania man was killed while trimming tree branches for a subcontractor of PPL Electric Utilities. His job included scaling a ladder in order to trim branches growing too close to a high-voltage power line. At the time of his fatal workplace accident, he was trimming trees in preparation for an annual free music festival known as Musikfest. The victim had been employed by the tree-trimming company for one year prior to his death.
While trimming trees beneath the Minsi Trail Bridge, the fatal accident occurred when the victim accidentally struck a high-voltage power line. After the truck he had been working on caught fire, it was unclear whether the victim fell or jumped into the nearby river. An investigation into the details of the accident was ongoing by Aspludh Tree Expert Company.
In an interview conducted with the victim’s girlfriend, she described him as a hard worker and a nature lover. Enjoying frequent hiking and fishing trips, the victim had dreamed of moving to the country. While he saved money in order to buy a house, the victim had given his girlfriend a diamond promise ring. He leaves behind a 13-year-old daughter, his mother and two brothers.
Following a job-related accident like this, family members of the victim may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the employer for compensation. Family members can include parents, children, siblings and the victim’s spouse. Although the victim in this case was unmarried, it is possible that he and his girlfriend may have met the requirements for a common-law marriage. If the victim’s girlfriend or his family members wish to sue his employer, a workers’ compensation attorney may be able to assist.
Source: Lehigh Valley Live, “Tree-trimmer killed in Bethlehem accident remembered as ‘straight shooter’“, Pamela Sroka-Holzmann, July 28, 2013