Joseph Maier, 48, sustained a fatal job injury while working in a warehouse in Santa Fe Springs. According to a report in The Whittier Daily News, the industrial accident occurred at the Superior Grocers Warehouse on Carmenita Road in Santa Fe Springs, the night of January 4, 2012. Officials say Maier was pinned between a truck and a loading dock. Based on the report, the truck backed into the victim. Officials are still looking into the cause of this fatal accident.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Joseph Maier following this horrific industrial accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 4,547 fatal work injuries were reported in the United States. Approximately two out of every five fatal work injuries that year involved a transportation incident.

What Caused This On-the-job Accident?

Although this accident is classified as an industrial accident, it appears to have involved a truck backing into a worker. Based on this news report, Maier was pinned between the loading dock and the reversing truck. Did the truck sound a warning signal as it backed up? Was there adequate lighting in the area? Was the driver distracted or otherwise negligent? Was the worksite properly supervised? Was the motorist properly trained and licensed to operate the truck? I trust investigators are determining the answers to these and other questions in this tragic accident.

Liability Issues

The family of a victim killed in a workplace accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will protect their legal rights and best interests. Victims' families may seek workers compensation benefits through the employer. In addition, in cases that involve negligence by a third party (other than the employer), a third-party claim may also be filed. Examples of third parties include contractors, sub-contractors, or manufacturers of defective products.

Worker Killed in Los Angeles County Industrial Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A worker sustained a job injury in Pasadena after an explosion at a chemical manufacturing plant. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the incident occurred the evening of May 19, 2010 at Materia Inc. on San Gabriel Boulevard. Pasadena fire officials responded to the incident and transported the worker, a man in his 20s, to a local hospital. The worker is believed to have suffered burns as well as inhalation injuries. A small explosion and fire occurred in one of the company's processing ovens, officials said. The building was apparently filled with smoke. Investigators from the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) are looking into the cause of the accident.

My heart goes out to this young worker who has apparently sustained burn injuries in this industrial accident. I truly hope he has not suffered any catastrophic injuries. I wish him the very best for a successful recovery. It is indeed fortunate that this incident did not turn out to be fatal. Please keep this victim in your thoughts and prayers.

Industrial Accident Statistics

According to the Cal/OSHA's industrial accident statistics for 2005, 14 workers died that year due to fires and explosions at their workplace or manufacturing facilities. Totally, 253 deaths relating to industrial accidents were reported in California in the year 2005.

Cause of the Explosion

In this particular case, it is not exactly clear what caused the explosion. There are several questions here. Was the worker trained adequately to perform his job? Was he following all safety procedures? Did he have knowledge of those safety procedures? I trust an investigation by local authorities as well as the Cal/OSHA will provide some answers, although it could take months before we find out what occurred.

Third Party Liability

In such cases, injured workers are entitled to workers compensation benefits. However, California workers compensation benefits are meager and hardly enough to cover medical expenses and loss of wages in case of serious injuries. Injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has a successfully handled "third party claims."
These are claims that are usually filed against someone other than an employer, or a third party, whose negligence may have caused the accident and injuries. Examples of such third parties could include contractors, sub-contractors or the manufacturer of a defective product. A third party claim could be a lot more valuable to these workers and the affected families than what they would get through workers compensation benefits. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured workers and their families.

Do you believe workers are provided adequate training on safety procedures in their workplace?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Worker Injured in Pasadena Chemical Plant Explosion is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A 30-year-old construction worker suffered personal injury that required hospitalization after he was hit on the head by a falling object while working at John Wayne Airport the morning of November 30, 2009. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the man was with other construction workers who were driving hundreds of steel-reinforced piles into the ground for the structure.

Construction Worker Injured

The worker, who had been wearing his hard hat, was apparently standing near a pile rig when the metal object dropped, striking him on the head. The injured worker was transported to an area hospital by ambulance. The extent or severity of his injuries is not clear, but officials say he was conscious when he was being transported to the hospital. Airport authorities as well as officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating this incident.

I sympathize with this injured worker and his family. He has obviously sustained head injuries, but the severity of his job injury accident is not known at this point. I hope his injuries were not major and wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. This injured worker and his family will be in my prayers.

Construction Accident Fatality and Injury Statistics

According to the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health, in the year 2005, there were 48 fatalities involving workers who were struck by falling objects. The agency also reports that during the same year, 76 workers died as a result of contact with objects and equipment.

In this particular case, it is not clear how or why this worker was injured. I trust investigators are looking into the causes right now. This injured worker will likely receive California workers compensation benefits from his employer. However, if his injuries are severe, it would be in the worker's best interest to look into the possibility of filing a third-party claim. Such claims are usually filed against an individual or entity other than the employer, who may have caused or contributed to the worker's injuries. This may be a contractor, sub-contractor, a negligent worker or the manufacturer of a defective product. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who is well-versed in California workers compensation laws and has successfully filed third-party claims, will be able to help this family proceed, should they choose to pursue their legal rights.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Construction Worker Injured at John Wayne Airport is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A delivery man sustained critical personal injuries after he was pinned under the cargo truck he was unloading, CBS news reports. The man, who has not yet been identified, had parked his truck behind a bakery in Westwood the morning of November 21, 2009. He then opened the back compartment of the truck to unload some merchandise when the truck started to move forward. The man then ran to reach for the passenger door when he was pinned between the door and the pole. The delivery man sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Fatal On-the-Job Injury

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased worker for their devastating loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.

Based on this news report, it is not clear whether the worker had set the parking brake before getting off the truck to unload the merchandise. The article does not state otherwise. The question here is: Was this fatal job injury caused by the truck's defective parking brake.

Was the Accident the Result of a Defective Parking Brake?

Defective parking brakes can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. The auto product liability lawyers at BISNAR | CHASE have seen many cases where a defective parking brake system can cause a vehicle to roll without warning and run over or critically injure unsuspecting victims. These auto product defects can also cause serious car accidents. In fact, BISNAR | CHASE is spearheading a $350-million auto product defect class action lawsuit against General Motors on behalf of a Texas law firm. The lawsuit alleges that GM installed defective emergency brakes in several models of GM trucks and sport utility vehicles.

In this particular case, the family of the man, who was apparently on-the-job at the time of the fatal accident, will be entitled to worker's compensation benefits through his employer. But they may also be able to file a "third party claim" against the auto maker if it is determined that a defective parking brake caused this accident. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto product liability cases and third party claims, will be able to advise this family about how to pursue their legal rights.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Los Angeles Worker Fatally Injured in Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Geradio Juarez, 41, a maintenance worker, sustained fatal personal injuries in an on-the-job accident early morning on November 12, 2009, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. Juarez was found dead at the bottom of a swimming pool at the East Valley YMCA in North Hollywood, Los Angeles fire officials who responded to the call said. Workers apparently called 911 and waited for help to arrive because they did not know how to swim, officials said. Juarez was brought out of the water and pronounced dead at the scene. The Coroner's officer is investigating the cause, time and manner of Juarez's death.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Geradio Juarez. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep his grieving family in your prayers.

Fatal Workplace Injury

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this fatal job injury occurred. There are many questions that are still unanswered here. What was Juarez working on at the time of the accident? How did he fall and drown in swimming pool? Did he have the required training to do his job? Was his death the result of a defective product or equipment malfunction or failure? Were all safety procedures followed here? Hopefully, Juarez's family will get some answers in this case. It is also disturbing to note that none of his co-workers could help him because they did not know how to swim. This does not seem like a safe work environment to me.

Juarez and his family will be entitled to receive California worker's compensation benefits. However, in cases where workers suffer major injuries or die, these benefits hardly offer enough compensation for medical expenses or loss of wages. In such cases, victims or their families may be able to file a "third party claim." This is usually a claim that is filed against a contractor, sub-contractor or the manufacturer of a defective product. This is typically worth 20 times more than worker's compensation benefits.

An Experienced Job Injury Lawyer Can Help

Juarez's family would be well-advised to consult a reputed personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, who is experienced in handling third party claims on behalf of injured workers and their families. Employers usually get attorneys and insurance companies on their side right away to defend their actions and protect their interests. Workers and their families also need an experienced and knowledgeable injury lawyer on their side right away to fight for their rights and protect their interests.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Maintenance Worker Dies in Los Angeles Swimming Pool Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Raymond Hill, 55, died after he suffered serious California personal injury when he went into cardiac arrest while operating heavy machinery at the Pharoah's Lost Kingdom, a water park in Redlands, California. Hill apparently died the afternoon of October 12, 2009. He had already been pulled from underneath the Bobcat equipment when firefighters arrived at the amusement park. Hill's co-workers told officials that they went to check on him when he stopped responding to their calls. However, officials also got conflicting reports that Hill was trapped under the equipment and that he was discovered slumped over the steering wheel. Hill was pronounced dead at an area hospital. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA) is investigating this fatal accident.

My heart goes out to the family, friends and co-workers of Raymond Hill for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Hill. Please keep them in your prayers.

Fatal Job Injury Kills Worker

Based on this news report, it's not clear why this fatal California job injuryoccurred. There are conflicting reports at this point and investigators are still in the process of interviewing eyewitnesses, co-workers and other who may have either seen this horrific accident or know something about it. There are more questions than answers at this point.

Did Hill suffer a heart attack or cardiac arrest while he was on-the-job working on the equipment? Did the accident occur as a result of his health condition? Or did he accidentally get trapped underneath the Bobcat equipment, which led to cardiac arrest? I trust that is the main issue Cal-OSHA investigators are looking into at this point. If Hill's death was caused by the heavy machinery falling on top of him and crushing him, then certain other questions arise. Was there a product defect or mechanical malfunction that caused the machine to fail? Did Hill have the skill and training to operate the machinery? Were all required safety procedures being followed at the time?

Third Party Claims

In any job-related accident, injured workers (or their families) would be entitled to receive workers compensation benefits. However, California workers compensation benefits are extremely inadequate and would hardly even meet the medical expenses in case of serious injuries or lost earnings when a family tragically loses its primary wage earner. In such cases, it may be in the family's best interest to file a "third-party claim," which is typically filed against someone other than the employer. A third party could be a contractor, sub-contractor or the manufacturer of a defective product. These claims could be worth many times more for the injured worker's family. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to explain the legal rights and options available to accident victims and their families and make sure they receive fair compensation to cover their loss.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Worker Suffers Fatal Job Injury in Amusement Park is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A worker suffered a California personal injury in a construction accident the morning of October 5, 2009 after falling into a trench as he worked in Disneyland, The Orange County Register reports. The man, who was not identified, was a construction subcontractor who was working on a trench that was about 5-feet deep when he fell in. Anaheim firefighters and trench rescue teams responded. The man was conscious, but complained on back pain and was taken away on a back board. He was later transported to an area hospital. The extent of his back injuries is not known although a Disneyland spokeswoman said they "appeared to be minor."

It is indeed fortunate that this man was not catastrophically injured in this accident. I hope his back injuries were not severe and wish this injured worker the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. It is also fortunate that the trench did not collapse as the worker fell in. Trench collapses can be extremely dangerous because the victim could get asphyxiated when the dirt buries them. Please keep this injured worker in your prayers.

California Trench Accident Statistics

According to Cal/OSHA's statistics, over a five-year period between 2001 and 2005, 26 Californians have been killed in trench accidents and 207 Californians have been injured in these entirely preventable construction accidents.

The big question here is how this California job injury occurred. The state of California spells out very specific regulations when it comes to trenches. Every time a worker enters an excavation 5 feet or deeper, companies must get a permit from the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). This California agency requires employers to conduct daily inspections of the trench and have proper safety systems in place including the nature of the soil at the work site. The state safety standards also require a competent foreperson to be physically present at the site to ensure adherence to the safety standards.

Liability in Workplace Accidents

In this particular case, it is not known how or why the worker fell in. Was he at fault or was it someone else's negligence that caused the injury accident? Were there any large vehicles parked too close to the excavation that may have caused the trench to become unstable? These are some of the questions that need to be asked here. The worker will likely be entitled to California workers compensation benefits. But he may also have a "third party claim," which in such cases is filed against a company or an individual (other than the victim's employer) that was negligent and caused or contributed to the injury. Workers and their families may be compensated for medical expenses, lost earnings and other related damages by a third party claim. Job injury victims would be well-advised to consult with a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer who has routinely and successfully handled third party claims.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

Construction Worker Injured in Disneyland is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal