Decatur MARTA Driver’s Killing Over Bus Fare in Decatur Ignites Conversation about Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits in Cases of Fatal Workplace Violence

The terrible and senseless death of a father and MARTA bus driver last week ignites a conversation about whether the families of workers who are killed in fatal violent workplace incidents are entitled to Georgia workers’ compensation death benefits in Decatur. According to local news reports, 47-year-old Leroy Ramos was killed just after Decatur residents in the new year, on Friday, January 3. Ramos had just recently moved to the Decatur area and had started working for MARTA as a bus driver only months before his untimely death, in October, 2024. Investigators believe that Ramos was working his bus route in Decatur when he was shot over an argument about a $2.50 bus fare. A MARTA spokesperson released the following statement about the terrible and fatal shooting, stating: “MARTA is devastated by the murder of bus operator Leroy Ramos, a new employee and ATU member who had already made an impact on his fellow operators. MARTA Police swiftly arrested two of the three suspects involved and two juveniles have been charged with murder. Officers are actively searching for the shooter…Unfortunately, there has been an uptick in violence toward transit operators nationwide, an alarming trend that began during COVID when we saw a deterioration of societal behavior. Our frontline workers are the backbone of this organization and MARTA leadership and police will continue working with ATU Local 732 to protect and support our operators to ensure they feel safe on the job and well trained to react in escalating situations.” Of Ramos, Monique Ramos said of her late husband, “Leroy had a big heart. We’re gonna stand united as a family for him…He was big on protecting his family and just people that needed it.”

Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits in Cases of Fatal Workplace Violence

In light of Leroy Ramos’ senseless killing, Decatur residents may want to know if Decatur families have any options for compensation under Georgia workers’ compensation laws. In cases of fatal violent workplace incidents, certain dependent family members of the worker who was killed may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits. If the worker was not otherwise exempt, and the violence was related to the worker’s work, these dependent family members may be able to recover lost future income, medical expenses that were incurred prior to their loved one’s death, and burial expenses for their loved one’s funeral. It is important to note that Georgia workers’ compensation laws are complex, and it is best to speak with an experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer if you are interested in obtaining workers’ compensation death benefits for the loss of your loved one to a workplace accident.

If you are in the Decatur area and you need legal help obtaining important workers’ compensation death benefits due to you, contact the experienced Decatur worker’s compensation lawyers at the O’Connell Law Firm. The experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers at the O’Connell Law Firm are here to help Decatur families get workers’ compensation death benefits due to them. Contact the O’Connell Law Firm and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

fox5atlanta.com/news/marta-driver-shot-killed-decatur-fare-arrests