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Construction workers’ accidents: Man killed by faulty scaffolding

On Behalf of | Aug 24, 2017 | Construction Workers' Accidents |

Some jobs entail more risk to employees than others. Even though there are risks involved in most jobs, employers bear the responsibility to provide safe working environments for their employees. Multiple agencies and policies in California exist to ensure companies are following safety standards, but construction workers’ accidents still occur. Last year, in another state, a man lost his life when proper safety precautions were ignored by his employer.

The 30-year-old man was working for a construction company that was using a tall scaffolding apparatus when the accident occurred. Reportedly, he was on the top layer when the scaffolding collapsed, causing him to fall to his death. The man was survived a wife and three young sons. A lawyer for the wife stated that he plans to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the construction company.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the accident and the construction site. According to the investigation, multiple safety precautions were ignored by the company, including a failure to properly lock and stabilize the scaffolding it was using. OHSA fined the company following the man’s death for the safety violations, and the federal agency has fined the company over $40,000 for multiple similar violations at other construction sites since the man’s death.  

Grief following a loved one’s death can be overwhelming. Family members of deceased victims may quickly feel financial stress with the lost contribution of their loved one’s income. Families who have lost a loved one in similar construction workers’ accidents may qualify for workers compensation death benefits. The benefits will not bring back a loved one, but may help families pay for expenses until finances are sorted out. In certain circumstances, grounds may exist for a wrongful death claim in a California civil court apart from a workers’ compensation claim. 

Source: fox5vegas.com, “1 year later: Woman visits construction site for the first time”, Adam Herbets, Aug. 23, 2017

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