Los Angeles Workplace Death Lawyer

Experienced LA Workplace Accident Attorney

Workplace deaths are a tragic reality that can happen in any industry. If you have lost a loved one due to a work-related accident, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits to help cover funeral costs and other expenses.

At Alvandi Law Group, P.C., we understand the devastating impact that a workplace death can have on families. We are committed to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation to families who have lost a loved one due to a workplace accident in Los Angeles and throughout California.

Contact us today at (800) 980-6905 to schedule a free consultation.

How Workers' Compensation Works in the Event of a Workplace Death

Workers' compensation in California provides benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their job, including in cases where a workplace accident results in death. In the event of a work-related death, the surviving dependents (usually spouse, children, or other financially dependent family members) are entitled to immediate benefits.

Workers' compensation in California provides ongoing financial support to the dependents of the deceased worker. These benefits can include reasonable burial expenses, up to a specified limit, to help cover funeral and burial costs and ongoing financial support.

The dependents of the deceased worker may be eligible for weekly dependency benefits. These benefits are designed to replace a portion of the deceased worker's income and are based on factors such as the number of dependents and the relationship to the deceased worker.

The amount and duration of these benefits can vary depending on several factors:

• The number of dependents
• The relationship between the dependents and the deceased worker
• The amount of the worker's pre-injury or pre-illness earnings

In some cases, the dependents and the workers' compensation insurance carrier may negotiate a lump-sum settlement to resolve the death benefit claim. This can provide a single, upfront payment to the dependents instead of ongoing weekly benefits.

If the dependents or the employer's insurance carrier disagree with the workers' compensation decision, there is an appeals process through which disputes can be resolved, including hearings before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).

In complex cases or if there are disputes regarding benefits, it is advisable for the dependents to seek legal counsel. An attorney experienced in workers' compensation law can help ensure that the dependents receive the full benefits to which they are entitled.

Common Causes of Work-Related Deaths

Workplace deaths can occur for various reasons, and they often result from a combination of factors. These fatalities can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and organizations.

Common causes of workplace deaths include:

• Falls: Falls from heights, such as ladders, scaffolding, or roofs, are a leading cause of workplace fatalities. Inadequate fall protection measures, improper training, and unsafe work practices contribute to these accidents.
• Transportation Incidents: Motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, forklifts, and industrial vehicles, are a significant cause of workplace fatalities. Factors like speeding, impaired driving, and lack of proper safety measures contribute to these incidents.
• Struck by Objects: Workers can be struck by objects such as tools, equipment, or materials. This can happen due to falling objects, machinery malfunctions, or the improper use of tools.
• Machinery Accidents: Working with heavy machinery and equipment can be dangerous. Workers may become caught in machinery, crushed, or injured due to machine malfunctions or inadequate safety precautions.
• Electrical Accidents: Electric shocks and electrocutions can occur when workers come into contact with live electrical circuits, equipment, or faulty wiring. Lack of proper training and maintenance are common factors.
• Confined Spaces: Working in confined spaces like tanks, silos, or pits can be hazardous due to the risk of suffocation, toxic gases, or sudden engulfment. Inadequate training and rescue procedures can lead to fatalities.
• Fires and Explosions: Industrial fires and explosions can result from various factors, including chemical spills, faulty equipment, or improper storage of flammable materials.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, toxins, or asbestos, leading to long-term health problems or immediate fatalities. Inadequate safety measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) are contributing factors.
• Violence in the Workplace: Workplace violence, which can include assaults by coworkers, customers, or intruders, can lead to fatalities. Employers must implement security measures and training to prevent such incidents.
• Overexertion and Fatigue: Overexertion from lifting, carrying, or repetitive tasks can lead to injuries, including fatalities in some cases. Fatigue from long hours or shift work can impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents.
• Heat-Related Illness: Working in extreme heat conditions without adequate hydration and rest breaks can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, which can be fatal.
• Occupational Diseases: Exposure to hazardous substances over time can result in occupational diseases, such as asbestos-related diseases, black lung disease, or work-related cancers, which can lead to death.
• Lack of Training and Safety Programs: Inadequate training and safety programs, as well as a lack of proper safety culture within an organization, can contribute to workplace fatalities by leaving workers ill-prepared to deal with potential hazards.