Amairani Villa, 23, Died In South Los Angeles Construction Accident While Unloading Skid Steer Loader From Truck On West 81st Street
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (August 6, 2022) – A Los Angeles construction worker identified as Amairani Villa was killed in an accident while unloading a truck on West 81st Street.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:45 a.m. on Monday. Amairani Villa was unloading a skid steer loader from a truck when he suddenly became trapped underneath it.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Amairani Villa died as a result of her injuries.
A skid steer loader is a piece of industrial equipment with hydraulic lifting arms. Cal/OSHA has been notified of the accident and it is being investigated.
You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe. According to Gladys Mejia who is organizing the fundraiser, “[Amairani Villa] was a loving and unique soul. She made those around her laugh and always cared for others more than herself. Unfortunately she has passed on. She was only 23 years old. Any thing helps. We as her family would appreciate any donations.”
Liability In Los Angeles Construction Accidents
Despite numerous advances in workplace safety, the construction industry remains quite dangerous compared to all other professions. 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).” Caught in-between accidents is another major cause of workplace injury and death. There are a number of measures that should be taken in order to prevent construction accidents.
- Workers should be properly trained to identify hazards.
- Workers should be given the right safety equipment.
- Workplaces should be kept in a reasonably safe condition.
When a worker is killed on the job their family may be able to seek aid through a worker’s compensation claim. Worker’s compensation in California is based off of a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for an injured worker or their family to demonstrate negligence. Worker’s compensation can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that come with the loss of a loved one.
Depending on the facts of any case, the family of a deceased worker may also be able to pursue a third party liability claim. A third party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer is responsible for an accident. Construction sites are typically made up of a blend of different companies that must work together. A general contractor could be liable for an accident if it was caused by a dangerous condition on the premises. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any construction accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any construction worker that died on the job may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help with lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. In order to win a civil claim, plaintiffs will need to demonstrate negligence. A construction accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Los Angeles Construction Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Amairani Villa. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victim’s family. Worker safety should always be the number one priority for every construction company.
Do you need more information about a South Los Angeles construction accident? Our team of construction safety experts are here to help in any way that we can. 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 a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991. Se habla español.
