Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace accidents: Construction worker killed

On behalf of Godwin and Rubin posted in Workplace Accidents on Friday, April 14, 2017.

Losing a loved one is devastating to surviving family members, no matter what the cause. When workplace accidents are to blame, survivors not only have to deal with the grief and suffering. The unexpected loss of income from a victim can greatly affect the family’s situation. A California family is now coping with a loss such as this after a recent on-the-job accident.

A 51-year-old man was taking a lunch break on his job as a construction worker in El Cajon. According to the county’s Medical Examiner’s Office, a concrete-block wall fell on him. The wall, located on a nearby residential yard, collapsed as the man was in a trench on the worksite.

A spokesperson from Heartland Fire and Rescue reported that emergency crews worked over an hour to cut through the concrete wall to reach the victim’s body. The man died at the scene from injuries suffered in the accident. Another person was involved in the accident, but received only minor injuries. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, was notified and will investigate the death.

The loss of a wage earner can cause a significant financial strain on surviving loved ones. When workplace accidents become fatal, family members may be eligible for benefits from the workers’ compensation system in California. Separately, grounds may exist for a separate claim in civil court against a negligent third party or even against an employer where evidence of gross negligence is apparent. An attorney experienced in workers’ rights issues can be a valuable resource in dealing with all the complexities of the legal process.

Source: 760kfmb.com, “Construction worker killed by wall collapse in El Cajon identified”, April 4, 2017