[08-16-2024] San Diego County, CA – Grocery Store Worker Rescued After Being Trapped in Industrial Tortilla-Making Machine At Sawaya Brothers Market

Emergency crews rescued a grocery store worker who was partially pulled into an industrial-size tortilla-making machine at a workplace in the Memorial area of San Diego on Friday, August 16, 2024.

According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, the accident occurred around 10:00 a.m. at Sawaya Brothers Market, located at 425 S. 30th Street, just north of Ocean View Boulevard and west of State Route 15.

Firefighters arrived to find the worker suspended above the floor with his right arm entirely trapped inside the large food-production apparatus. It took the crew about 45 minutes to disassemble the machine enough to free the man.

Footage captured by OnSceneTV showed the worker screaming in pain as emergency personnel loaded him into an ambulance, with a section of the tortilla machine still attached to his right arm, despite receiving pain medication.

The worker was reported to be in significant pain but remained stable. The bleeding was controlled, and the worker was transported to the hospital for further evaluation by surgeons and doctors.

The extent of the worker’s injuries remains unclear. The details are still being investigated, and no further information is immediately available.

Talk To Our Renowned Workers’ Compensation Lawyers In San Diego, CA

Workplace accidents can result in severe physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. If you or a loved one has been involved in a workplace incident, it is essential to seek legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our injury law firm in San Diego is here to guide you through this challenging time.

Seek legal advice from our workers’ compensation lawyers through a free initial consultation. With decades of experience and a long list of success stories, our law firm, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will successfully represent you and your family in a workplace accident claim.

You can rely on our renowned San Diego workers’ compensation attorneys to help you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings if necessary. Arash Law has recovered over $750 Million for clients and is widely acknowledged for its success and credibility as one of California’s most recognized personal injury law firms.

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

What To Do After A Workplace Accident in San Diego, CA

An employee injured or killed in a work-related accident in San Diego is eligible for compensation under the state’s workers’ compensation law, regardless of who is responsible. If you or a loved one has been involved in a workplace accident, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to ensure safety and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Report the incident to your employer: As soon as the accident occurs, notify your employer or supervisor. This will ensure the incident is documented, and appropriate measures can be taken.
2. Seek medical attention: Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it’s important to seek medical evaluation immediately. Some injuries may not be apparent right away but could worsen over time. Medical records will also serve as valuable evidence in your claim.
3. Document the scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any equipment, conditions, or other factors that contributed to the incident. This evidence can be crucial in supporting your claim.
4. Gather witness information: Obtain contact details and statements from any witnesses to the incident. Their testimonies can strengthen your case.
5. File a workers’ compensation claim: In California, most workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury. Report the incident to your employer and file a claim as soon as possible.
6. Keep detailed records: Maintain a record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any impact the injury has had on your daily life. This documentation will be important in building your case.
7. Consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer: Call our skilled workers’s compensation attorneys to discuss your case and explore your legal options. An attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and pursue additional compensation if third-party liability is involved.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Workplace Accident Statistics

Over 4,500 work-related injuries and fatalities are reported each year in the US, according to OSHA. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in November 2020, 66.7% of American workers reported an injury at work, the same as the previous year.

Workplace accidents killed 5,333 people in 2018, a 2% increase from 2017. In 2015, falls caused 40.2% of all accidental deaths and 16% of unintentional deaths.

The primary causes of workplace fatalities include automobile accidents, falls, and acts of violence. Conversely, falls and strains from hauling are the leading causes of nonfatal workplace injuries.