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Construction workers’ accidents can be eligible for compensation

On Behalf of | Nov 30, 2016 | Construction Workers' Accidents |

In California and all other states, workers’ compensation exists as an insurance to cover lost wages and medical bills for those injured on the job, and it even includes death benefits regarding fatal accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal regulatory agency that sets and enforces standards for safe work environments. Even with OSHA’s efforts, many job sites still contain unacceptable risks and dangers for employees. Despite safety measures and enforcement actions, construction workers’ accidents still occur. Recently, a father of three young children died on a construction site due to a fall.

The 34-year-old man was working for a subcontracting company on the building site of a 770,000 square foot complex when he fell six stories. An autopsy confirmed that he died of multiple blunt force injuries resulting from the fall. The California Division of OSHA is currently investigating the incident.

Although the victim was not an employee of the main construction company, it is providing grief counseling to all employees affected. Sadly, the man is survived by a wife and three children all under the age of six. Friends have set up a fundraiser website to help the surviving family with their unexpected expenses.

Although the family is receiving some financial help from friends and family, as dependents they are also entitled to death benefits through the workers’ compensation insurance fund. Speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in California will help the grieving widow successfully navigate the claims process. Compensation will not make up for his lost life, but will aide her with funeral expenses and provide a lost income package during a difficult time. A lawyer can also help determine if grounds exist for a third party civil claim for damages apart from any workers’ comp claims, something which often applies to serious construction workers’ accidents.

Source: mercurynews.com, “Sunnyvale: Construction worker killed by fall at Apple office project“, Victoria Kezra, Nov. 18, 2016

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