It is always difficult to lose a loved one. Most would agree however, that it is even harder when the person's death could have been prevented if only certain steps were taken. One of the situations in which this can occur is while someone is working. Fatal work accidents occur throughout the state of Pennsylvania despite federal workplace safety standards designed to keep everyone safe.

When a fatal accident does occur while someone is working, the business that employed the worker who died may face criminal charges. This could happen when it is discovered that the federal safety standards are willfully violated.

The owner of a painting company located in the western part of the state was recently sentenced to a year of probation after an employee died while working. The worker was reportedly electrocuted by power lines located near where the 48-year-old man was painting. To ensure worker safety in previous situations similar to this one, the business had worked with the power company to get the power company to get the lines covered.

In addition to the probation, the company also faced a fine of $57,900.

Though unknown, it is highly likely that any family the man left behind filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the painting company as well. This is because in addition to being difficult to handle emotionally, a sudden death can leave a family without the finances to maintain the life to which they have become accustomed. When successful, the damages recovered can ease the financial strain for those left behind.

Source: Vindy.com, "Pa. man sentenced over employee accident, death," Oct. 25, 2012