Artemio Hernandez, 40, a tree trimmer, sustained fatal job injuries while trimming a palm tree in a Pasadena backyard, the morning of February 13, 2010. According to a news report in the Pasadena Star News, Hernandez was working behind a house in the 500 block of South Oak Knoll Avenue. The man was suspended at a height of about 50 feet on the palm tree when a ring of fronds struck him, Pasadena fire officials said. A gardener heard Hernandez shout out initially, but did not hear anything from him afterward. Firefighters had to cut through the fronds to free the man from the tree.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Artemio Hernandez for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.
Tree-trimming Fatality Statistics
Tree-trimming can seem like a simple activity. But in reality, it can be tricky and extremely dangerous because these workers are operating from high elevations. There is the possibility of catastrophic injuries or death. There is the possibility of tree trimmers falling, getting electrocuted, becoming victim to defective or malfunctioning equipment, or being crushed by falling trees or debris. According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, from 1992 to 2007, a total of 1,285 people were killed in tree-trimming accidents. Of these deaths, 42 percent occurred when a person was hit by a falling tree or branch. Another 34 percent were killed by a fall from a tree and 14 percent were killed by electrocution.
Third Party Claims
In such cases, if a tree trimmer works for a company, his family will be entitled to receive California workers compensation benefits. Sometimes, in these types of accidents, families may be able to file a third-party claim against someone other than an employer, who allowed a dangerous condition to exist, which caused the accident. Examples of such third parties include a homeowner, contractor, sub-contractor or the manufacturer of a defective product.
Families of deceased workers, in such fatal injury accidents, would be well-advised to consult with a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who is experienced and has a successful track record filing third party claims on behalf of injured workers and their families. The best personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
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.
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