Working on a Los Angeles construction site requires that employees have physical stamina as well as requisite skills to do a job safely and competently. This owes to the fact that construction work has dangers inherent to its environment. One second a worker may be concentrating on hanging Sheetrock or pouring concrete, the next second he might find himself the victim of a construction accident. Life-altering occurrences such as this happen with disturbing regularity.
In Duarte, a construction worker is facing the potential of losing his left arm following an accident involving a forklift. The incident occurred in the City of Hope Hospital parking lot. Initial reports from fire and sheriff’s officials of Los Angeles County indicate the man, a contracted crew member, suffered the injury as he helped offload a forklift that was on a truck.
The worker’s arm became trapped between the forklift and a hydraulic stabilizing leg. After being freed by rescue workers, the man was taken via helicopter to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. While his injuries are not at present considered life-threatening, the fate of the worker’s left arm remains uncertain.
Given the apparent severity of this man’s injuries, he will certainly be off the job for the immediate future. Should he lose his arm, or his arm is so badly damaged as to prevent him future employment in his chosen field, his entire life will be irrevocably changed.
Questions remain regarding exactly what occurred leading up to this frightening event. A thorough investigation is in order to determine if this accident was avoidable or if this worker was inappropriately put in harm’s way. The outcome of the investigation may reveal whether the man is entitled to financial compensation for his injuries.
Should you find yourself in a situation where questions need answering about a construction site accident, you should discuss your case with an attorney familiar with workers’ compensation and workplace accidents. Given the particulars of your circumstance, you may wish to pursue legal action.
Source: insidesocal.com, “Worker pinned by forklift in construction mishap at City of Hope in Duarte,” Brian Day, Feb. 21, 2014
