Recent Work Injury Related News in South Dakota


LITIGATION

US Department of Labor Sues Stone Hill Excavation for Retaliatory Firing

Allegations of wrongful termination and illegal retaliation against an employee fired two days after reporting severe second- and third-degree burns from a pressurized pipe. OSHA seeks reinstatement and $100,000 in punitive damages.

STATISTICS

Workplace Fatalities Surge 45% in South Dakota During 2024

BLS reports 29 deaths in 2024, a significant rise from the previous year. Construction and transportation are identified as high-risk sectors, with transportation incidents remaining the leading cause of death.

LEGAL PRECEDENT

Supreme Court Clarifies Burden of Proof in Smithfield Foods Case

Ruling in Pham v. Smithfield Foods reinforces that employees must prove a work-related injury remains the “major contributing cause” of ongoing treatment, even after initial benefits have been paid.

ENFORCEMENT

MSHA Cites GCC Dacotah for “Aggravated Conduct” in Fatal Plant Accident

Following a fatal fall at a Rapid City cement plant, investigators found systemic safety failures involving unsecured ramp assemblies. MSHA issued several 104(d)(1) orders for “unwarrantable failure” to comply with standards.

SUPREME COURT

Standard Clarified for Permanent Total Disability

Arneson v. Risk Administration Services decision clarifies the evidentiary standards for “permanent total disability” (PTD) under the odd-lot doctrine, emphasizing a rigorous burden of proof for employability.

 
Disclaimer: The work injury summaries provided above are for informational purposes based on public news records available for South Dakota (SD). The information provided is gathered from public news sources. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance regarding an incident, please consult with a qualified professional.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Post