Construction Worker Died In Accident At San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility While Fitting Pipes
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA (June 25, 2022) – A construction worker was killed in an accident at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility while laying pipes.
Santa Clara police officials are saying that the accident took place around June 14. There was a $7-million facility control upgrade underway at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility.
A worker was removing large pieces of piping when they were involved in some type of accident. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
They were transported to the hospital but later died due to their injuries. Cal/OSHA is currently investigating to determine what went wrong.
Liability In San Jose Construction Accidents
Thousands of workers are killed or seriously injured every year in the United States in construction accidents. According to the CDC, “Falls remain the leading cause of work-related deaths in construction, accounting for more than one in three (36.4%) of the total number of fatalities in this industry (401 of the 991 construction fatalities recorded in 2019 were falls to a lower level).” There are a number of steps that construction companies should take in order to prevent accidents.
- Construction workers should be properly trained.
- Construction workers should received fall-arrest systems when working at elevated heights.
- Safety supervisors should ensure all OSHA guidelines are being followed.
The vast majority of construction accidents are totally preventable. When a worker is injured or killed on the job, they or their family may have legal recourse through the worker’s compensation system. Worker’s compensation in California is based on a no-fault system. There is no need to demonstrate negligence in order to receive benefits. An injured worker or their family may also have recourse through a third party liability claim.
A third party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. Construction sites are typically made up of a blend of companies that must work together to complete a common goal. There could be numerous sources of third party liability at a construction site. For example, a general contractor could be liable for an accident if their premises were unsafe. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any construction accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Safety records should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any worker that died in a construction accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, construction companies will often do everything in their power to avoid responsibility for any accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A San Jose Construction Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the construction worker killed in this accident at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the worker’s family. Safety should always be the number one priority for every company.
Do you need more information about a San Jose construction accident? Our team of construction safety experts are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
