Bay Area news reports that a construction worker has been killed while laying asphalt at Berkeley's Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. According to CBS, the man was fatally injured when a big-rig rolled over him at the site. He had been rebuilding a portion of the school's track when the parked 18-wheeler started rolling. The truck rolled down the slope, crushing the man beneath its weight. Cal/OSHA is investigating the accident, and a representative notes that it may take up to six months to complete a report on the incident.
Workplace accidents – including construction site accidents - involve several different considerations. For example, in most instances when an accident occurs at a work place, California worker's compensation laws dictate the procedural steps the worker or his/her family must take to recover damages for the injury.
Workers compensation is available to a worker or his or her family regardless of fault. This means that you can recover compensation even if your actions caused your harm. Damages may include lost wages, medical expenses and disability payments. If you have been injured at work, consulting with an experienced worker's compensation attorney is important to help you through the various steps required to ensure you obtain the recovery you deserve.
Further, in certain situations it may be possible to bring a civil lawsuit for negligence or wrongful death. Civil lawsuits may be brought where a third party (i.e. someone other than your direct employer) is responsible for your injury. This may be another contractor on the job or a manufacturer of a defective product.
A thorough investigation is important in order to determine the best option for you or your family after a work place injury has occurred.
For more information or if you or a loved one has been harmed in a workplace accident, please contact the top San Francisco workers compensation attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.