Even the most seasoned veterans can suffer an accident while at work. Because of this potential, California and other states require employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance benefits for employees; these benefits also extend to certain family members in the event of a fatality. Unfortunately, the family of one out-of-state man may qualify for these benefits after he lost life life in what is being described as a freak accident.
The accident happened at approximately 7:30 a.m. one morning in mid-July. The victim was a village employee who had worked for the village for 30 years. At the time of his death, he was working as a technician at a wastewater treatment plant.
Statements made by a representative for the village claim that the victim and another employee were conducting a maintenance check on a basin that is 22 feet deep. Because oil and grease had built up in the form of foam in the basin, both employees were using water to clear it. Unfortunately, the victim is said to have lost his footing and fallen in. Although a safety line was thrown, the man never resurfaced in the tank said to be filled with 60,000 gallons of toxic materials.
The unexpected death of a loved one is typically devastating for the surviving family. Additionally, many people in California find the financial burden of lost wages and funeral expenses to be more than they can handle. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits can help these victims manage these burdens in a time of grief. Professionals with experience with the compensation process can help them seek just treatment.
Source: ruidosonews.com, “Death at Ruidoso treatment plant connected to fall into basin“, Dianne L Stallings, July 14, 2016
