Accidents at the workplace occur all the time in nearly all professions. That being said, some industries involve more risk of injury than others. Construction is one such profession, and it is important for construction employees and their families to be aware of their rights when an accident occurs.
Two California men died in a crane accident last week in Winters. The construction accident reportedly occurred when the men were in a basket attached to a crane. For unknown reasons, the basket detached from the crane and plunged to the ground, a fall that it was not possible for the workers to survive.
At this point, the California Division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is still investigating the tragedy. It remains to be seen whether the company is found to be at fault for the incident. In any case, sources didn’t mention whether the families of the victims will be pursuing any legal action against the company over the incident.
Families of deceased workers, unbeknownst to many, are able to collect workers’ compensation death benefits, which include reasonable burial expenses. The exact amount of death benefits available depends on the number of total and partial dependents involved. Totally dependent minors are, in some circumstances, able to receive benefits until the age of 18. More details about these options can be found on the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
Families who are coping with the death of a loved one may benefit from working with an experienced attorney when filing for death benefits. At the very least, an experienced attorney can help explain the process so that it makes more sense and there are no surprises.
Source: Ktvu.com, “Bay Area workers killed in Winters crane accident identified,” June 2, 2014. California Department of Industrial Relations, “Workers’ Compensation Benefits,” Accessed June 5, 2014.