Many people in California may not realize the dangers that those in construction face. However, construction accidents can happen due to the large equipment being used, falls of employees working in scaffolds or injuries suffered by falling objects. Unfortunately, one out-of-state woman recently lost her life in a workplace accident at a construction site.
The incident happened in early January. The 19-year-old victim was an employee of Step It Up Construction. Her brother was employed there as well. According to reports, she was working at a dig site. Unfortunately, the operator of the backhoe, also the foreman of the site, apparently did not see her, and he is said to have lowered the bucket on her.
She was transported to the hospital but died as a result of crush injuries suffered in the accident. The backhoe operator was also hospitalized, potentially due to shock. Family members of the deceased young woman claims she had previously complained that regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration were being violated, claiming that she had been struck by a backhoe operated by the same man previously, leaving a large bruise. OSHA, who will conduct an investigation into the woman’s death, previously cited the company for two serious violations in 2014.
The unexpected death of a loved one often leaves both an emotional and financial burden on family members. While it may do little to ease their emotional distress, many families in California are entitled to workers’ compensation insurance benefits following fatal construction accidents. Professionals with experience with the compensation process are available to help those coming to terms with their grief seek the compensation they deserve.
Source: dallasnews.com, “Woman crushed to death by backhoe at San Antonio construction site“, Claire Z. Cardona, Jan. 23, 2017
