Christopher Smith (Full Name: Christopher Paul Smith), of Antioch, Died In Palo Alto Construction Accident After Falling Down Shaft At Downtown Building
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA (August 27, 2022) – A construction worker identified as Christopher Smith died after falling down a shaft at a downtown building on University Avenue.
Palo Alto police officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:34 a.m. on Wednesday. Christopher Smith was in the building at 525 University Avenue when he fell down the shaft.
Authorities believed that the construction worker may have been on a scaffold when he fell. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the worker.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, Christopher Smith died as a result of his injuries. OSHA is conducting an investigation which could take around 6 months to complete.
Liability In Palo Alto Construction Accidents
Falls are one of the main causes of serious injury and death in the construction industry. According to the Centers For Disease Control, “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).” OSHA has called falls one of the “fatal four” causes of workplace death. There are a number of steps that can be taken in order to protect workers from fall hazards.
- Workers should be properly trained.
- Workers should be given personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) when working at heights of six feet or above.
- Work sites should be maintained in a reasonably safe condition.
When a worker is killed on the job, their family will typically have recourse through the worker’s compensation system. The worker’s compensation system is a no-fault insurance system in California. There is no need for an injured worker or their family to demonstrate negligence. Depending on the facts of any case, the family of a deceased worker may 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. For example, a general contractor could have contributed to a construction fall by keeping a construction site in a dangerous condition. A general contractor could also be liable for failing to inspect a scaffold before each use. There are many steps that should be taken after any scaffold accident.
- The scaffold involved in the accident should be inspected.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any worker killed 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. It is crucial that there is a thorough investigation after any construction accident. Evidence will be necessary for any third party liability claim.
Investigating A Palo Alto Construction Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Christopher Smith. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that measures will be put in place to help prevent other tragedies at this location. Safety should be the number one priority for any construction company.
Do you need more information about a Palo Alto construction accident? Our team of construction safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that construction workers are aware of their rights and are given the equipment they need to work safely. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
