According to a report from Fox 40, a worker was killed in an accident at a manufacturing facility in Northern California. The tragic incident occurred at a facility operated by Hogan Mfg., Inc. in San Joaquin County. Workplace safety remains a serious concern in California. Here, our Fresno workers’ comp lawyer explains what we know about this case and provides an overview of death benefits for workers in California.
Deadly Worker Place Accident in Escalon, California
An employee at Hogan Mfg., Inc., a manufacturing facility in Escalon, California, died on Monday in a work-related accident. The incident took place in a building next to the company’s main office on 1st St. The Escalon Fire Protection District confirmed the death of an adult man. Few specific details were released. The company is cooperating with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health in the ongoing investigation of the incident.
Hundreds of Workers are Killed on the Job in California Each Year
Fatal workplace incidents remain a problem in our state. While California’s workplace fatality rate is somewhat better than the national average, the state is still responsible for approximately 8 percent of work-related fatalities nationwide. According to data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 462 job-related fatalities reported in 2021 alone. For reference, the data for 2020 was similar. There were 463 people killed on the job in California during that year.
An Overview of Workers’ Comp and Death Benefits in California
In California, all employers are required to provide workers’ comp insurance coverage to their employees, including part-time workers. Workers’ compensation generally covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages. In cases of permanent disability, a lump sum or ongoing payments might be provided. If a worker’s death is determined to be job-related, death benefits are paid to the deceased’s dependents, like a spouse, children, or other family members who were financially dependent on the worker. Death benefits may include:
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: California law includes a provision for reasonable burial expenses, capped at a specific amount. For workplace deaths that occurred after 2013, the cap on funeral and burial payments is $10,000.
- Dependent Payments and Survivor Benefits: Dependents may receive a set amount depending on their relationship to the deceased and the number of total dependents. The spouse or children may receive ongoing financial support, reflecting a percentage of the deceased’s wages. The minimum payment is $224.00 per week.
- Educational Assistance: Some provisions may exist for the educational assistance of the deceased’s children.
Contact Our Fresno, CA Fatal Workplace Accident Attorney Today
Joseph C. Yrulegui is an experienced, knowledgeable advocate for injured workers. If your loved one was killed in the workplace, your family needs the maximum support available under the law. You do not have to navigate the claims process alone. Contact us today to set up a fully confidential, no-commitment consultation with a top California workers’ compensation attorney.