Martin Elrod (Full Name: Martin Lee Elrod) Died In Dos Palos Tractor Accident At Composting Facility on Harmon Road
DOS PALOS, CALIFORNIA (December 23, 2022) – A man identified as Martin Elrod was killed in an industrial accident involving a tractor at a composting facility on Harmon Road.
Merced County officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:17 a.m. on Wednesday. Martin Elrod was crushed beneath a tractor under unclear circumstances.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Martin Elrod died as a result of his injuries.
It remains unclear if the victim was an employee of the composting facility. Cal/OSHA has been notified of the accident. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Dos Palos Industrial Accidents
Thousands of workers are killed or seriously injured every year while performing their job duties. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “There were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2021, an 8.9-percent increase from 4,764 in 2020.” OSHA has listed falls, struck by objects, electrocutions and caught-in or caught-between accidents as causing the vast majority of workplace fatalities. There are a number of steps that employers should take to prevent worksite accidents.
- All workers should be trained to identify workplace hazards.
- Workplace equipment should be inspected and well maintained.
- Work sites should be maintained in a reasonably safe condition.
When a worker is injured or killed on the job, they or their family will typically have recourse through a worker’s compensation claim. Worker’s compensation in California is based off a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for an injured worker or their family to demonstrate liability to get help. The family of a deceased worker 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 a workplace accident. For example, a general contractor could be liable for an accident if a worksite was in a dangerous condition. The company that owned or operated a tractor could also potentially be liable for an accident. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any workplace fatality.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- OSHA should be notified.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Workers are protected by a number of laws. The family of any worker that is killed in an accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Dos Palos Industrial Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Martin Elrod. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Dos Palos industrial accident? Our team of worker’s rights advocates 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 any accident we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
