Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Adequate safety procedures may prevent workplace injuries

On behalf of Godwin and Rubin posted in Workplace Injuries on Friday, November 30, 2018.

Construction work poses many risks and is considered dangerous work in California. With adequate safety training, appropriate safety gear and safety procedures, many workplace injuries are preventable. Failure to adhere to safety regulations can result in tragedy. Such a failure may have contributed to the tragic death of a California construction worker.

A construction company in Oakland was working on installing pumping equipment near the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline. In preparation for the equipment install, a trench box was created. A few days later a worker was helping to compact dirt while another worker removed rails that had been used to prevent the trench from caving in during construction.

Hooks are used to remove such rails, and in this instance, one of the hooks being used failed. It caused the rail being lifted to fall and strike a worker who was still in the trench. The worker did not survive. The rail reportedly weighed more than two tons. The company is facing over $141,000 for up to nine safety violations.

The sudden and tragic loss of a loved due to workplace injuries will leave family and loved ones stunned and shocked. They may have no idea of what workers’ compensation benefits may be available to them in California. Seeking the advice of a workers’ compensation attorney can provide them some answers. A civil suit against a third party deemed responsible for the accident may also be an option. While nothing can change what has already happened, a successfully litigated claim can assist with medical expenses, lost wages and other covered losses.