The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health reported that an investigation was launched into the death of a construction worker in Sacramento. Although the surviving family members can seek financial assistance through the state-regulated workers’ compensation system, it will likely be a challenge to cope with such a tragic loss. The county coroner’s office is also investigating the worker’s death.
According to officials of Sacramento Metro Fire, an emergency call came in at approximately 10:30 a.m. on a recent Tuesday. They rushed to the scene where they found a worker caught between a Bobcat tractor and its bucket. Unfortunately, the man was a lone worker, and none of his co-workers witnessed the incident. The construction accident happened at the site of an apartment complex at which the man was using the tractor to move dirt to fill a pool.
A co-worker alerted the fire department after he came upon the trapped worker. Sadly, the victim was already deceased when first responders arrived. His name and age were not disclosed in media reports.
Whenever California families lose loved ones in on-the-job accidents, the trauma could be exacerbated by the unanticipated financial consequences. Fortunately, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help families with the navigation of survivors’ benefits claims. The program typically provides compensation to cover the funeral and burial of a loved one along with a financial package to help with day-to-day living expenses. The benefits could ease the financial burden of rental, mortgages and other monetary obligations in the months following the death.