[03-29-2023] San Bernardino County, CA – One Contractor Dies After Workplace Accident in Victorville

A 57-year-old contractor tragically died from a workplace accident at the Keurig/Dr. Pepper warehouse in Victorville on Wednesday morning, March 29, 2023.

According to Victorville City Fire, the accident occurred around 8:10 a.m. at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA) at the 18100 block of Gateway Drive.

Upon arriving at the location, firefighters discovered several contractors operating machinery to dig up the ground at the site since the week’s start.

Investigators from the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office have identified the deceased as Craig M., 57, of Prescott, Arizona. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a firefighter. Currently, the cause of his death is unclear, and Gloria Huerta is in charge of the investigation by the local Sheriff’s Department.

Police D.A. Investigators walked around the area to investigate. Employees working inside the facility were notified briefly of the fatal accident outside and offered the chance to speak to someone if needed.

As a result of this tragic incident, employers and employees must prioritise workplace safety in their daily activities. Employers are encouraged to continuously provide their workers with adequate training, equipment, and safety measures.

Reputable Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Victorville

In California, an employee who sustains work-related injuries is eligible for compensation under the state’s workers’ compensation law, regardless of who caused the accident. As long as the injury occurred during employment and was not due to negligent behaviour or horseplay, the employee can receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and disability benefits.

Skilled attorneys can guide you through the claims process, safeguard your interests, and work towards a favourable settlement or litigate the case in court if required, without the need to prove the employer’s fault or that of any other party.

You can rely on our reputable Victorville workers’ compensation lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 million for California clients.

If you would like to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After Workplace Accident

Having been involved in a workplace accident can be stressful and confusing. In the event of a workplace accident, you should know how to protect your health, safety, and well-being. You can navigate this challenging situation and take the necessary steps to protect your rights and well-being.

1. Seek medical attention: Call emergency services immediately if the accident is severe. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to get it checked by a medical professional.
2. Please report the accident to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. It will ensure an official record of the incident. If your employer has an incident report form, could you fill it in?
3. Document the accident: Collect as much information as possible about the accident. Take photos of the scene and the injury, and write down any witnesses’ names and contact information.
4. Follow medical instructions: If you receive medical treatment, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Attend all follow-up appointments and take any prescribed medication as directed.
5. Please inform your employer about your condition: Keep your employer updated on your situation and expected return-to-work date. If you must take time off work, follow your employer’s sick or other leave procedures.
6. Consider filing a workers’ compensation claim: If the accident was work-related, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. You should contact either your employer’s human resources department or your state’s workers’ compensation board to learn how to file a claim.
7. Consider legal action: If you feel that your employer was negligent in preventing the accident or are not receiving appropriate compensation or support, consider seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney specialising in workplace accidents.

Fatal Workplace Accident Statistics

According to OSHA, workplace fatalities and injuries are a significant concern in the United States, with over 4,500 incidents reported annually. Bureau of Labor statistics indicate that in November 2020, 66.7% of American workers experienced work-related injuries, which remained unchanged from the previous year.

Although the number of workers’ compensation claims has decreased, the number of fatalities has remained steady and increased by 2% in 2018, with 5,333 workers killed due to workplace accidents. Trips, slips, and falls were the cause of 16% of all accidental deaths in 2015, accounting for approximately 40.2% of all fatalities.

Car accidents, falls, and violence is the leading causes of workplace fatalities, while falls and muscle strain from lifting are the most common causes of non-fatal injuries on the job.