JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

The Philadelphia workers’ compensation law firm of Mednick, Mezyk and Kredo is mourning the death of a Lock Haven man who died on the job recently. The tragic accident occurred in Bethlehem after a tree-trimmer of Asplundh Tree Expert Co. hit high voltage power lines with his truck on Saturday, July 27^th.

Emergency and utility officials state that the victim, 42-year-old Robert Rogers was foreman to a crew that was working on the Bethlehem towpath to clear away branches from power lines. The crew was working under the Minsi Trail Bridge as part of the annual preparation for Musikfest.

According to PPL Electric Spokesman Bryan Hay, Rogers struck the high-voltage lines and either fell or jumped into the Leighigh River. Two tree-trimming trucks subsequently caught fire, but no one else was injured. Hay states on behalf of PPL that their “thoughts and prayers are with [Rogers’] family and coworkers.”

Rogers leaves behind a 13-year-old daughter, Abroyonah, as well as two brothers, his mother and his girlfriend, Maria Morales. Morales described Rogers as a “hard worker” and a “straight shooter.” In his spare time, Rogers would enjoy fishing and time outdoors.

Tree trimming can be a risky business. In 2011, 265 individuals were killed in building and grounds keeping occupations, which include tree-trimmers. Accounting for nearly 6% of all fatal workplace accidents across the U.S., these fatal accidents are sadly at its highest level since 2006.

On behalf of all the Philadelphia workplace injury lawyers at Mednick, Mezyk and Kredo, we send our sincere condolences to Robert Rogers’ family and coworkers. We hope they can find comfort during this difficult time.