Minnesota DOT Worker Honored, Bridge Renamed after Fatal Work Accident

There is no doubt that America’s construction workers are the unsung heroes that build and maintain our streets, buildings, and infrastructure that is vital to our everyday lives. What is less discussed, however, is just how dangerous construction work can be, and the risks that construction workers face every day that they step onto a job site. A tragic case out of Minnesota underscores this point, and reignites the discussion of how employers can keep America’s hardworking construction workers safer at work.

In August, 2023, Michael Gau, a 54-year-old Minnesota DOT worker, was working on a road bridge project when he was hit and killed by a dump truck that was inside of the construction work zone. Gau was a beloved member of his family, and of the community. He was also a volunteer firefighter who had been with the Belle Plaine Fire Department for 23 years. Of Gau, Minnesota legislator Representative Ginny Klevorn said, “Our state lost a dedicated and beloved MnDOT employee in a tragic work accident…Mr. Gau deserves to be honored for his service….” Accordingly, to honor Gau and his lifetime of service to the community, Rep. Klevorn introduced a bill to rename the bridge for which Gau lost his life. The bill was approved this week and the Rockford Road Bridge Project bridge, the bridge over Highway 169 in Plymouth, Minnesota, will be renamed the Michael Gau Memorial Bridge. Rep. Klevorn also added in memory of Gau, “Mike never knew a stranger and his smile drew everyone toward him…He’s described by friends as the most loyal person you would ever meet. Not a sit-on-the-couch kind of guy, Mike is described as energetic and my favorite word, goofy.”

Help for Injured Workers in Mississippi

In Mississippi, under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws, when most workers are injured on the job (with some exceptions), they are entitled to important financial benefits to help them while they heal from their injuries and return to work. Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits include wage replacement benefits, medical expense reimbursements, vocational rehabilitation training, and other important benefits. In addition, under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws, certain dependent surviving family members of workers who are killed on the job in Mississippi  may be entitled to Mississippi workers’ compensation death benefits. Of course, every case is different and unique, so it is best to speak with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible to learn about your rights and options.

A Law Firm that Helps Injured Workers in Mississippi 

If you were injured in a workplace accident in Mississippi and you need assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, contact the experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. The experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your case and to see if they can help you get Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits due to you. Contact the experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC and speak to a lawyer about your rights and options today.

Source:

ccxmedia.org/news/house-approves-renaming-rockford-road-bridge-to-honor-fallen-mndot-worker/