A 33-year-old contractor was killed last October after falling from the roof of a new building under construction on the Van Meter School District campus. The incident is a painful reminder of how quickly an Iowa job site can turn tragic, and it raises hard questions for the worker’s family about what happens next.
What Happened in Van Meter
According to news coverage of the incident, Brandon McVay of Greenfield fell approximately 30 feet while working in the new building construction zone at the school. A school resource officer began CPR, and a MercyOne helicopter landed nearby. Despite those efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
McVay was serving as a bid package contractor on the project. Van Meter Police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have been notified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Falls Remain a Leading Cause of Construction Deaths
Falls from heights continue to be one of the most common ways construction workers are killed on the job. OSHA’s top cited standards show fall protection has been the most frequently cited workplace safety standard in the country for more than a decade.
Roofs, ladders, and scaffolding are where the worst injuries tend to happen. When a fall results in death, families are often left with sudden funeral costs, lost income, and pressing questions about whether the site was safe in the first place.
Who May Be Liable After a Fatal Fall
Construction projects usually involve several companies working in layers. There may be a general contractor, subcontractors, bid package contractors, property owners, and equipment suppliers on the same site. When a serious injury or death occurs, the question of fault is rarely simple.
A fatal fall can trigger a review of several areas:
- Whether fall protection equipment was provided and used correctly
- Whether the roof edge, guardrails, or openings were properly secured
- Whether workers received the training OSHA requires
- Whether a subcontractor or third party created an unsafe condition
- Whether equipment failed or was defective
Workers’ compensation typically covers certain benefits after a workplace death. In many cases, the surviving family can also pursue a separate claim against a responsible third party, such as a negligent subcontractor or an equipment manufacturer.
Legal Options for Iowa Families
Iowa recognizes both workers’ compensation benefits and, in certain situations, a wrongful death claim. At Law Group of Iowa, we see families pursue these two tracks together, and one does not replace the other.
Workers’ compensation can provide:
- Death benefits to qualifying dependents
- Reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses
- Ongoing weekly payments under the Iowa schedule
A third-party civil claim can provide additional damages, including loss of support, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering before death. A Des Moines construction accident lawyer can evaluate both tracks and explain how they interact.
Steps to Take While the Investigation Continues
Families often feel pressure to sign paperwork or give recorded statements soon after an incident. That is rarely a good idea. Before signing anything from an insurance company or employer, gather the basics:
- Copies of police and OSHA reports once they are available
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Photographs of the site, equipment, and safety gear involved
- Medical records and the death certificate
- Any written contracts between the worker and the hiring contractor
These records often become the foundation of a later claim.
Speaking With an Attorney
If you are looking for an accident lawyer, reach out through our website and we will set up a time to talk. Our team can review your situation, help preserve evidence, and guide your family toward the next right step.
