At this time of year, most families in California and across the country are planning their holiday celebrations. Unfortunately, one family in another state is, instead, planning a funeral following an industrial accident that resulted in the loss of a life. Many details of the accident are unclear.
Reports indicate that a 911 call was made just after 11:20 a.m. on a day in early December. Rescue workers arrived at the scene soon after. The victim was said to have been working on a wood chipping machine at the time of the accident.
One law enforcement officer reports that debris from the machine was likely a factor in the accident. Unfortunately, the man died at the scene; an autopsy has been ordered. The incident is under investigation by both local officials and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; the man’s employer could face citations, fines or some combination of both if the investigation reveals violations of workplace safety and health standards. The plant was temporarily closed in the aftermath of the accident.
Representatives from the company have expressed their sorrow over the man’s death. Unfortunately, an industrial accident such as these can leave families struggling as a result of lost wages and funeral costs. As such, companies in California are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance benefits that often extend to certain loved ones in the event of a fatality. Because many people suffering such a loss feel unprepared to negotiate with an insurance company, many seek assistance from an attorney with experience with the compensation process.