When fatal workplace accidents occur, the employers and co-workers of the deceased workers are sometimes as traumatized as the surviving family members are. This appears to be the case after an employee of Wonderful Citrus in California recently suffered fatal workplace injuries. Reportedly, the 53-year-old worker suffered multiple blunt force injuries in an incident that happened on a Thursday morning earlier this month.
An incident report indicates that the man was working alone in a citrus orchard when the blade of a wind machine became detached. These machines have large propellers that blow warm air into the orchards on frigid nights. A co-worker came upon the critically injured man shortly after the blade struck him. The injured worker was rushed to a suitable landing area, from where he was airlifted to a hospital.
Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries later. The deceased worker’s brother says the propeller vibrated, and when his brother tried to switch it off, something went wrong that caused the blade to detach. Although the worker attempted to get out of its way, the propeller struck him, causing life-threatening internal injuries. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has reportedly launched an investigation to determine what caused the incident, and also the company’s level of compliance with safety standards.
Whenever lives are lost in incidents that cause fatal workplace injuries, the grieving family members have to deal with unanticipated expenses at a tough time. They can pursue financial assistance through the state-regulated workers’ compensation insurance system. An experienced California attorney can assist with the legal and administrative steps of the claims process in pursuit of benefits to cover a funeral and burial along with a wage-replacement package.
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