If you are dealing with emotional and financial devastation following the death of a loved one after a work accident, you are not alone. Every year, the families of California workers killed on the job find that they are unable to manage the medical bills, lost wages and end-of-life expenses without assistance. Fortunately, family members left behind are often entitled to workers' compensation death benefits.
Cal/OSHA not doing enough to prevent workplace accidents
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, is the organization responsible for protecting workers by holding employers to certain safety standards. Reportedly, it has fallen short on many responsibilities to the state's workers. The agency is tasked with monitoring businesses, preventing hazardous conditions and training employers to prevent workplace accidents. However, a recent report suggests that this agency must increase staff and the number of inspections that it performs.
For those injured on the job, help may be hard to find
California workers who have been injured at work may find that it is difficult to secure compensation and assistance. Every worker has the right to seek a complete physical and financial recovery after a work accident, but changes within the workers' compensation system have made that more difficult. Those injured on the job will find it particularly beneficial to secure legal assistance after an accident.
What are a victim's rights after a construction accident?
A major construction accident can leave California victims with extensive physical injuries, emotional trauma and mounting medical bills. Even experienced construction workers can be injured or killed because of unsafe site conditions and/or failure to be properly trained. No matter what caused a construction accident, injured workers or the families of those killed may consider filing a workers' compensation claim.
Worker dies from on-the-job injury from tragic train accident
A California train engineer has died several days after suffering an on-the-job injury in a tragic accident. The crash occurred as the commuter train was headed toward downtown Los Angeles. It collided with a truck and trailer that were sitting on the tracks and derailed. Initially, no deaths were reported, but as many as 28 people received medical treatment for a range of injuries. The train's engineer, who suffered an on-the-job injury in the collision, is the only known death related to this accident.
Preventing workplace injuries by protecting health and safety
California employees have the right to safe work environments, and employers should always strive to prevent workplace injuries. When faced with unsafe working conditions or other concerns, it is beneficial to be familiar with employee rights and legal options. One of these rights includes the ability to report certain circumstances that may place individuals at a higher risk for workplace injuries.
