Occupations involving the mining industry often involve serious risks. While efforts have been made to ensure that mining workers are safe, the dangers cannot be completely removed. Those injured at work in California and other states are often eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. One out-of-state man will likely be in need of these benefits after he reportedly suffered serious workplace injuries.
The accident was reported just after 9 a.m. one Friday morning in January. A man working as a switchman near a mining company’s refinery complex reportedly became trapped underneath a rail car. It took rescue workers approximately 45 minutes to extricate the man and transport him to the hospital.
Reports indicate that the man was conscious during the extrication process. While it is unknown whether he will lose his legs due to the accident, reports indicate that he suffered severe injuries to both legs. He was out of surgery by 5 p.m. the day of the accident, but a spokesperson for the company could not confirm his condition .
These workplace injuries will likely have a significant impact on the rest of the man’s life, potentially requiring extensive care and rehabilitation. Workers in California who suffered similar injuries were often unable to return to work in the same capacity. While they are covered by workers’ compensation insurance benefits, many victims of workplaces accidents find the process of obtaining fair compensation to be complex and an added burden during a time already filled with stress. As a result, they seek the help of a professional with experience with the compensation process.
Source: sltrib.com, “Kennecott worker sustains ‘traumatic injuries’ in industrial accident“, Bob Mims, Jan. 22, 2016
