Lyford, TX — May 13, 2024, Brandon Ferguson was killed as the result of a work accident at around 7:30 a.m. along Oak Grove Road.
According to initial details about the accident, it happened at the Oak Grove Power Plant located several miles north of Franklin.
An OSHA investigation summary said that 37-year-old Brandon Ferguson was hosing off a bypass chute at the time. While doing so, investigators say that a hydraulic comb depressurized, causing equipment to strike Ferguson. Brandon Ferguson was killed as a result of the accident.
There were no other reported injuries in the OSHA summary. Their investigations listed four citations, three of which were serious and one which was “willful.” At this time, additional details are unconfirmed.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
The current information in these OSHA summaries are more than a little concerning. There may have been some serious mistakes at this place of employment, and it’s important those potential actions get attention. But on top of that, Texas happens to have the most complex work fatality laws of any other state in the country. That can present significant challenges for a family affected by a fatal work accident.
For one, there is not always a guaranteed path to get a victim’s loved ones benefits after an accident. This means employers and a victim’s family can end up as adversaries, and that can leave a family at a significant disadvantage if they don’t have access to the tools and strategies to keep the playing field level.
Second, there can be legal exceptions to an employer’s potential responsibility depending on how grossly negligent their actions may or may not have been. Put in plain terms, families are often left with little choice but to accept whatever potential remedy is given to them through a victim’s employer. But if the employer engaged in particularly severe negligent behavior, and that led to the fatal accident, a family could potentially ensure there are consequences for the employer’s actions beyond what’s normally allowed.
The end result is a potential legal maze that inexperienced professionals and authorities alone may not be able to help a family navigate. That’s why it can be important after accidents like this to ensure there are strategies in place to get to the end of that maze and ensure a victim’s loved ones are getting a fair resolution to their situation.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us