Many young workers enter the construction industry every summer. For some, it is the start of a career, and for others, it might be a summer job. Sadly, lack of experience and inadequate safety training cause many injuries and even fatalities among young workers in California. Fortunately, the workers’ compensation system can provide some level of financial assistance for workplace accident victims and surviving family members of those killed while working.
Although the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health prescribes strict regulations about safety training and precautions for teenage workers, some employers still fail to protect them. A 17-year-old worker recently lost his life in a church parking lot. He was a member of a crew that was busy putting down paving.
A police spokesperson reported that a construction worker flagged down an officer near the work site shortly before 9 a.m. on a recent Thursday. First responders were called, and they arrived at the site to find the young worker who had been run over by a tractor. Sadly, he did not survive the accident. Cal/OSHA investigators will work to determine whether the paving company’s complied with safety regulations.
Regardless of whether the company or one of its employees were at fault, the surviving family members of a deceased worker can pursue financial assistance with the costs related to a funeral and burial. The workers’ compensation death benefits typically also include a wage replacement package to help with financial obligations and daily living expenses. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help navigate the often-complicated claims process.