Fatal heart attack/fall at work

[Confused_widow]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Kentucky.
My husband died from a fatal heart attack at work. He was alone. He had fallen from about 20 feet from a ladder. It obviously cannot be determined if he had the heart attack and fell or fell and then had a heart attack. I know there were safety violations issued from OSHA. I guess I'll go see an out-of-state attorney on this but should I do that before I accept his life insurance which was payroll deducted? It should be on the way in a couple weeks. I didn't want to cash the check if that might limit my ability to sue if I decide to.

[Proserpina]

Originally Posted by Confused_widow

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Kentucky.
My husband died from a fatal heart attack at work. He was alone. He had fallen from about 20 feet from a ladder. It obviously cannot be determined if he had the heart attack and fell or fell and then had a heart attack. I know there were safety violations issued from OSHA. I guess I'll go see an out-of-state attorney on this but should I do that before I accept his life insurance which was payroll deducted? It should be on the way in a couple weeks. I didn't want to cash the check if that might limit my ability to sue if I decide to.

Sometimes it can be determined if an injury (which he would have sustained, presumably, in the fall) happened before or after death though in this case I'm honestly not sure that would help.

But aside from this I believe you will have trouble showing that the OSHA violations contributed directly to your husband's death. Did your husband's death certificate include details of anything other than the MI?

I'm very, very sorry for your loss; unfortunately several of us here have been widowed and it's very sad to learn another has had to join the ranks. My thoughts are with you and your family.