Indianapolis Fatal Work Injury Lawyer

Since 1992, the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has collected data on fatal workplace injuries in Indiana and other states via the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). In the past thirty years, workplace deaths have seen a gradual downward trend in Indiana一but annual numbers began to spike once again in 2016. Between 2016 and 2021, higher numbers of on-the-job deaths were featured compared to the period of 2006 and 2015.

In 2021, the BLS recorded 157 workplace deaths in Indiana. This number represents a slight decrease from the 158 deaths recorded in 2020, but it is higher than 2019’s total of 146 deaths. In the past thirty years, 2012 and 2015 saw the lowest number of annual workplace deaths in Indiana, with 115 deaths apiece. By contrast, 1994 set a record with 195 total on-the-job deaths in Indiana.

BLS statistics demonstrate that while all jobs pose some risk of injury, certain industries see higher rates of workplace deaths than others. In 2021, the deadliest industries in Indiana included:

• Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting: 22 deaths were recorded in these industries in 2021. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting historically post the highest numbers of workplace deaths of any industry category in Indiana.
• Construction: Construction jobs claimed 21 lives in 2021.
• Transportation and warehousing: Transportation and warehousing companies set a grisly record in 2021, posting a total of 48 on-the-job deaths - a number nearly twice the industry’s typical annual average in Indiana.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing contributed 13 deaths in the workplace to Indiana’s annual totals for 2021.

Healthcare, retail, accommodation, and food services also tend to experience multiple on-the-job deaths each year. Even workers in traditionally low-risk jobs like finance and insurance are not immune. In 2016 and 2019, a worker in these industries lost their life on the job.

Workplace injuries and deaths can occur in many situations. For statistical purposes, the Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes causes of death into a few broad groups. These include the following:

• Transportation-related incidents. This category includes the largest number of workplace deaths suffered in Indiana each year. In 2021, 59 workplace deaths occurred as a result of transportation incidents. Most of these deaths occurred in private industry, while three were suffered by local government workers.
• Violence from other people or animals. Violence by third parties or by animals was the second most common cause of on-the-job fatalities in Indiana in 2021. In total, 35 workers lost their lives due to violence, intentional injuries, or animal attacks. In ten of these cases, a worker was engaged in transportation or material moving tasks when they suffered fatal injuries.
• Exposure to harmful substances or environments. In 2021, 25 people died on the job due to exposure to harmful substances like toxic vapors or harmful environments like excessive heat or cold. In 19 of these instances, a worker was exposed to chemicals or chemical products.
• Contact with objects and equipment. In 2021, 20 Indiana workers lost their lives due to contact with objects or equipment. These cases ranged from being struck by a vehicle at work to falling into or coming into contact with heavy machinery. Most of these deaths occurred in agriculture, with workers dying as a result of contact with machinery and vehicles.

Regardless of the cause, an on-the-job death places immense emotional turmoil and new burdens on loved ones. The weight of grief is only one of the life-altering consequences that a family must face. Figuring out the next best course of action can seem confusing and overwhelming. Contacting our team of attorneys can help alleviate the stress surrounding your loved one’s death.