Keeping a city running in an efficient manner often requires a great deal of effort as well as the coordination of many employees and contractors. Citizens may not fully realize the effort, time and money required. In some cases, workers may even be putting their lives at risk. If injured while at work, California workers are likely entitled to workers’ compensation, which extends to dependent family members in the event of a fatality. The family of one man may qualify for these insurance benefits after a recent workplace accident.
The man was employed by ABM Electrical & Lighting Solutions, a subcontractor for OpTerra Energy Services. The company was contracted by one California city to upgrade approximately 18,000 streetlights. While most of the project had been previously completed, this man was working on a boom truck to retrofit streetlights with LED lights.
According to reports, the man fell from the truck to the ground. Paramedics determined that he died at the scene. The man’s death remains under investigation.
The family members of this deceased man likely want answers regarding the cause of his death. While these answers could help provide closure, they will do nothing to alleviate the financial strains potentially created by the loss of his wages and his funeral expenses. Although they may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, many people in a similar situation have found that the path to fair compensation is long and complicated. As a result, some have chosen to seek the guidance of a professional with experience with such matters. For many, this could be the difference between fair and efficient compensation and financial hardship.
Source: mercurynews.com, “Man killed while retrofitting streetlights in San Jose“, Katie Nelson, June 25, 2015
