Workers in California and across the country face all sorts of dangers in their workplace every single day. Many of these dangers are obvious, while some are more subtle. Regardless, a workplace accident can have a significant impact on the lives of the worker and his or her loved ones. One out-of-state family is likely still working to come to terms with their loss following a fatal workplace accident. Workers’ compensation insurance benefits may be able to help them cope with the financial fallout of their loss.
The accident happened one afternoon on a day in mid-December. The man was reportedly working at a site used to store wind blades measuring 188 feet. According to a site manager, the victim, who may have been in his fifties, was attempting to shift a steel block weighing 350 pounds. Unfortunately, the block is believed to have landed on the man, crushing his chest.
A representative for the company has expressed shock over the man’s death and asserted the company’s commitment to protecting the safety of all employees. Fatal accidents such as this cause the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to launch an investigation. Its efforts could prevent similar incidents in the future. If it is found that the man’s employer violated safety or health standards, the company could face ramifications in the forms of fines or citations.
Unfortunately, fatal workplace accidents often leave families in California struggling with lost wages and funeral expenses. However, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to cover the costs stemming from an accident at work. These benefits typically extend to certain family members in the event of a fatality. Because most people are unfamiliar with the process, an experienced attorney can help them seek fair compensation.
Source: abqjournal.com, “Santa Teresa worker killed in industrial accident“, Lauren Villagran, Dec. 13, 2016
