California news reports that a construction worker has died at a Modesto worksite. Initial findings indicate that the man was struck on the head by a falling beam or similar object; however, the investigation is ongoing. The worker was employed by a subcontractor to help with the construction of a manufacturing or distribution center structure. When construction worker is killed on the job, surviving family members may be able to receive a death benefit and funeral benefits by filing a workers’ compensation claim. If the deceased worker had minor children, that benefit can continue until the minor reaches age 18.
In each situation, it is important to determine the role and responsibilities of the various parties involved in an accident. Depending on the circumstances, the owner of a project, the general contractor, other subcontractors, and/or other third parties may have some financial responsibility to the deceased worker’s family if they were partially responsible for the incident. Where that is the case, the worker’s family may be able to file a civil lawsuit seeking damages which can provide a substantially greater recovery than those afforded in the workers’ compensation system.
Accordingly, whenever a serious personal injury or wrongful death occurs, consulting with an experienced California construction accident lawyer and/or wrongful death lawyer is important to determine your next steps. Although discussing your matter with a lawyer may be the furthest thing from your mind following a tragic accident, a skilled attorney can put your mind at ease by providing guidance concerning your next steps.
For more information and a free consultation, please contact the experienced Oakland personal injury lawyers at .
