Trench cave-ins kill numerous California construction workers each year, and compensation may be critical for family members. If your loved one was killed in one of these accidents, you might be wondering how you will pay for outstanding hospital bills, lost future income, and funeral costs. Is a workers’ compensation claim in California possible?
Workers’ compensation lawyers in San Bernardino may be able to help. Consider working with experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Moga Law Firm if a trench cave-in harmed you or someone you love. Scot Thomas Moga has dedicated 25 years of his life to helping injured workers and their families. As the founder of an established workers’ compensation law firm in San Bernardino County, Mr. Moga has seen all kinds of workplace accidents since 1996.
Yet Another Trench Collapse Reported in California
In September of 2024, a 27-year-old worker lost his life after a trench collapse in California. This marks the third trench cave-in fatality in California since 2023. The victim and another worker were operating in the trench at about 4 AM when suddenly the trench walls caved in. While the other worker managed to scramble clear, the victim found himself trapped under a heavy concrete pipe and was unable to move. As a result, he likely suffocated to death after being covered in earth.
It took first responders 5 hours to extract his body from the body of the trench, providing some indication of how bad this cave-in was. Reports indicate that he was working on some kind of water project for the City of San Diego.
Immediately, questions began to arise over potential safety violations. Why didn’t the contractor reinforce the trench walls? How did the trench collapse so suddenly – and at such a depth? If it took five hours to dig the body out, this implies that the trench was quite deep. There are very strict requirements for trench wall reinforcement when contractors start to dig deep into the earth.
How Can I Cover My Damages After a Trench Cave-In?
Trench cave-ins are often fatal, and surviving families may need to pursue “death benefits” from workers’ compensation. A workers’ compensation claim can provide a family with enough to cover funeral costs and any outstanding hospital bills the victims may have incurred. Perhaps more importantly, death benefits can provide a lump-sum payment for the future wages a deceased worker would have earned. Often, death benefits can be quite lucrative.
Of course, a personal injury lawsuit could also be possible if there was gross or reckless negligence. You might also sue if a negligent third-party contractor caused the cave-in.
Reach Out to an Established Workers’ Compensation Law Firm in San BernardinoThe Moga Law Firm is ready to help workers and families after trench cave-ins, heavy machinery fatalities, and all other workplace accidents in San Bernardino. As an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, Scot Thomas Moga understands how dangerous construction work can be. You deserve compensation, and a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you cover your losses. Call (909) 931-2444 to get started today.
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