The construction of a new home is an exciting process for prospective homeowners in California and across the country. While they plan what types of flooring they will have and what colors they will choose to paint the walls, construction workers labor to bring those plans to fruition. Unfortunately, a construction accident can have tragic consequences. In fact, a trench collapse at a construction site in another state resulted in the death of two people.
The accident reportedly happened during the morning hours of a day in July. Resorts indicate that at least two men were working at a home construction site. A representative from the local fire department reports that the men were attempting to connect the sewer line to a construction site.
Unfortunately, the 8-foot trench reportedly collapsed, trapping the two 35-year-old men. Though the victims’ co-workers and arriving police officers attempted to rescue the two men, they were unable to do so due to the large quantities of dirt. Crews created a plan to retrieve their bodies.
Reports indicate that the trench collapse will be investigated by both the local police department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Though there are several standards meant to make trenches safer, accidents can still occur. Because of the potential financial complications that an accident such as this can have for victims — including surviving family members in the event of a fatality — states, including California, require that employers provide workers’ compensation insurance benefits for employees. To ensure that victims receive the compensation that they deserve, there are experienced professionals who can help them throughout the process.