We found out last week that Cal/OSHA, California’s workplace safety regulator, fined a construction company for violations concerning a fatal trench accident that happened in April.
Bay Construction Co. was fined $141,075 for the accident that killed a worker in a trench that was dug to install underground pumping equipment. When the accident happened, the worker killed was compacting dirt in the trench while another worker was removing railed that helped prevent the trench from caving in.
Cal/OSHA said that company failed to make sure that nobody was in the trench when it was being dismantled.
At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we know that this is just one of many examples of how dangerous construction work is in California and across the United States. Do you know where to turn if you are injured in a construction incident?
When you need an El Centro construction accident attorney, you can count on our team to be by your side, working to secure the compensation you need.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN?
OSHA has what is called their “Fatal Four” list, which shows the most common fatal accident causes in construction. They are:
- Falls (38.7 percent)
- Getting struck by an object (9.4 percent)
- Electrocutions (8.3 percent)
- Getting caught in between objects (7.3 percent)
While those are just the fatal accidents, thousands more are injured each year in construction incidents. Many of these nonfatal injuries leave victims with short or long-term disabilities as well as major medical bills.
Here are some of the common nonfatal injuries and their causes:
- Spinal Cord Injuries – spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or full paralysis and often occur due to falls or getting pinned in between objects
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – these can be both minor (concussions) and major and happen due to falls and getting struck by objects. Often, TBIs result in long-term disabilities
- Respiratory Problems – without proper respiratory gear, construction workers can develop chronic respiratory problems, including cancer, over time
- Hearing and Vision Loss – exposure to loud noises and chemicals without proper safety gear can lead to long-term or permanent hearing and vision problems
Workers’ compensation often does not cover all accident-related expenses, including the many hidden costs associated with injuries (home and vehicle accommodations, loss of future income, etc.).
How is it fair for a construction accident victim to be put into financial jeopardy if a coworker or company was negligent in their duties. If a company fails to follow proper procedure or prove a safe work environment, they should be held accountable.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
If you or someone you love has been injured in a construction accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should seek legal assistance immediately. At the Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we are ready to help you get compensation to cover your accident-related medical expenses, and we will not stop there. We will work to secure coverage for pain and suffering damages as well as lost income if your injuries keep you from working.
When you need an El Centro construction accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling our office.