Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Rig falls 300 feet down cliff causing fatal workplace injuries

On Behalf of | Mar 15, 2016 | Work Injuries

When California workers die in unexplained on-the-job accidents, the many unanswered questions can increase the trauma of the surviving family members. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating such an incident that caused fatal workplace injuries to a worker. The fatality occurred at a quarry in another state.

Safety officials who are busy with the investigation reported that co-workers of a dump truck driver noticed his absence at approximately 11 p.m. on a recent evening. A search of the property and surrounding areas led them to the dump truck that was partially submerged in water. The driver was still alive, but, although emergency workers performed CPR, the worker did not survive.

The vehicle reportedly fell 300 feet down a cliff at the quarry and landed in an area of standing water at the cliff’s base. The worker was found in the cab of the rig. Although investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the accident, it is suspected that the driver was backing up the rig when it went over the edge of the cliff.

California families who have had to cope with similar circumstances may pursue financial relief. When fatal workplace injuries cause the death of a worker, his or her family may file death benefits claims with the workers’ compensation insurance system. In addition to coverage of the expenses related to a funeral and burial, a financial package is typically provided to assist dependents with the challenges of day-to-day living immediately after their loss. This assistance will be based on the current wage level earned by the deceased worker and will continue for a specified period.

Source: weartv.com, “Dump truck plunges off 300-foot cliff, killing driver“, March 9, 2016

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