Tree workers in California face multiple life-threatening safety hazards each day. Chainsaws, log splitters and other power tools understandably cause many injuries, but dangers can lurk in areas where employees might least expect. This often results in severe or fatal workplace injuries caused by unexpected hazards, and the number of workers’ compensation claims filed by tree workers or their surviving family members each year underscores this.
Such is the case of an accident that occurred recently in Modesto. A 31-year-old man recently lost his life in a work-related accident that involved an ATV and not a power tool. The worker was working on private property when he lost control of the vehicle.
The crash that followed caused fatal injuries that claimed the life of the worker. A spokesperson for the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health reported this incident, and the agency will likely launch an investigation into this incident to determine whether noncompliance with prescribed safety standards played a role in this tragedy. Safety violations will lead to stiff fines, all of which might benefit this company’s employees in the future, but it will be too late for the worker who lost his life.
The surviving family of the deceased worker will be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits that will ease the financial burden brought about by the unanticipated death of their loved one. A California attorney with experience in this field of the law can provide valuable support and guidance with the process of filing a death benefits claim. Compensation typically covers the costs of end-of-life arrangements along with a financial package to make up for lost wages.