Construction crews in California are usually at work year-round. They make roadway improvements, build new establishments and ensure that water and sewage pipes work correctly. These crews, which can be quite large and include heavy machinery, can work at a frantic pace, especially when emergencies arise. However, with so many moving pieces, workers on construction crews can find themselves at risk of being seriously injured or even killed in a workplace accident.
This tragically happened recently in Scotts Valley when a dump truck backed over a construction worker, killing him. According to reports, the crew was on scene to clean up a mudslide that had blocked part of Highway 17 when the accident occurred. Another worker was pinned under the truck, but was later extracted and taken to the hospital. He is expected to survive. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the accident to determine exactly what went wrong.
Sadly, workplace accidents like these happen far too often, greatly affecting injured workers and their families. Being injured on the job may mean that an individual is unable to work to earn his wage, and medical expenses can make finances tight. Families that lose a loved one to a workplace accident may also face financial hardship, as their lost loved one’s wages suddenly vanish.
The good news for those negatively affected by workplace injuries is that they may be able to recover money for their losses through the workers’ compensation system. Even those whose loved one was killed in such an accident may be able to claim survivor benefits. It is important to note, however, that many workers’ compensation claims are denied for a variety of reasons. Thus, those expecting to pursue these benefits need to ensure that their claim is as thoroughly prepared as possible, backed by evidence that supports a legal awarding of benefits, before moving forward.
Source: The Mercury News, “Highway 17: Worker killed by dump truck while cleaning up mudslide identified,” Mark Gomez, Robert Salonga, and Tracy Seipel, Feb. 9, 2017
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