The recent Santa Clarita, California Six Flags Magic Mountain construction site accident underscores the potential dangers that exist for workers at work sites and raises questions concerning who is responsible for injuries when accidents do occur. The recent incident happened when a welder’s torch ignited a fire near the tip of the Colossus roller coaster that was undergoing renovation. Thankfully there were no injuries. However, Federal OSHA data reveals that there have been four accidents at Magic Mountain in the past 10 years, with the most involving injuries to construction site employees working on rides.
Construction sites are often fraught with dangers. When an accident does occur and a worker is injured, several considerations affect who may be held liable and required to pay damages and other costs. As such, it is important to consult with an experienced California construction site accident attorney if you have sustained an on-the-job injury.
While generally California workers’ compensation law remedies provide the sole avenue of recovery for workers injured on the job, in certain situations – such as construction site accidents and other multi-employer work sites – it may be possible to bring a third party lawsuit for negligence. Often, these cases involve general contractor liability. A general contractor may be held directly liable for a subcontractor’s injuries where the general contractor retains control of the safety conditions on the jobsite and the general contractor’s negligent exercise of control caused or contributed to the injury. Further, general contractors may be held responsible where they improperly coordinate the work of subcontractors and create a hazardous condition for other workers.
Such considerations are relevant whenever a construction site accident occurs. Although no significant personal injuries occurred during this recent Magic Mountain construction accident, if you are a contractor it is imperative you understand your legal rights should you suffer on-the-job injuries.
For more information, or if you or a loved one has sustained any type of work-place accident, contact an Oakland personal injury attorney at Viadro Law, LLP immediately to protect your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
