A 21-year-old waitress from Oklahoma City was killed recently when the dumbwaiter she was operating malfunctioned and caused her to the fall down the lift shaft, according to NewsOK.com. Investigators believe that the waitress was either loading or unloading the dumbwaiter when the workplace accident occurred due to a mechanical malfunction. The woman was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, and died from her injuries three days later.
Dumbwaiters are designed to carry lightweight items. The shafts must be inspected each year; however, the dumbwaiters themselves are only required to be inspected upon installation. The restaurant was built in 1947, and the article states that the dumbwaiter likely was installed at that time. OSHA is launching a full investigation of the fatal Oklahoma City workplace accident.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009, there were 140 total fatalities in the food service industry, with 13 of those fatalities resulting from falls. The total fatality rate spanning across all reportable industries was 4,340.
If you have been injured in a workplace accident in Oklahoma, you deserve to know your rights. The dedicated Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys at The Maples Law Firm have the skill and knowledge to help you understand your legal options and ensure that your rights are not violated in a court of law. Our lawyers can build a strong case on your behalf to garner you the compensation you deserve. While no amount of money can take back the accident, it can help with medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Contact The Maples Law Firm today for a free and confidential consultation at (405) 705-5050 today.
