Most would not imagine learning tragic news of a loved one within minutes of them beginning work at a place of employment. Sadly, for one man and his daughter, it is a reality. Within minutes of beginning her shift, the man’s wife was involved in one of California’s recent fatal workplace accidents.
The woman had been employed by Caltrans for over a decade as a toll booth worker. As a favor to a sick co-worker, the woman agreed to work an extra shift. In addition to working the extra shift, she showed up half an hour early. The accident occurred within minutes of the start of her shift. A man driving a white van crashed into her booth, resulting in fatal injuries.
The driver of the van and passenger were thrown from the vehicle as a result of the impact. They both suffered injuries and their conditions are unknown. The officers that reported to the scene suspected the use of alcohol and marijuana due to smell and the size of driver’s pupils. In addition, the driver was overheard confessing to paramedics to the use of both prior to driving. The 32-year-old driver has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and six counts of felony DUI.
Not only has the woman’s family lost a wife and mother, but they have lost financial support. Most companies are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage in the event of workplace accidents to help cover medical and therapy costs. When deaths occur as a result of a work injury, dependent family members may qualify for financial compensation in the form of death benefits through the insurance. Many families find it comforting in a complicated fatal work accident such as this one to ask a lawyer in California to assist them through the claims process and to be advised of any other avenues in which they may seek financial relief.
Source: El Cerrito, CA Patch, “Driver Charged In Bay Bridge Toll Collector’s Death“, Dec. 12, 2017