(16.08.2024) Store employee trapped in machine in San Diego

Emergency crews rescued a food vendor who was partially pulled into an industrial-sized tortilla machine at a workplace in San Diego’s Memorial neighborhood on Friday, August 16, 2024.

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

When firefighters arrived, they found the worker dangling above the ground with his right arm completely trapped inside the large food production equipment. It took crews about 45 minutes to disassemble the machine enough to free the man.

Footage captured by OnSceneTV shows the worker screaming in pain as emergency personnel loaded him into an ambulance. Although he was given painkillers, part of the tortilla machine was still attached to his right arm.

The worker was reportedly in severe pain but in stable condition. The bleeding was stopped and the worker was taken to the hospital for further evaluation by surgeons and doctors.

The extent of the worker’s injuries is still unclear. The details are still being investigated and no further information is available at this time.

Speak to our reputable workers’ compensation attorneys in San Diego, CA

Workplace accidents can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you or a loved one has been involved in a workplace accident, it is important that you seek legal representation to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. Our San Diego personal injury law firm is here to guide you through this difficult time.

Let our workers compensation attorneys provide you with legal advice during a free initial consultation. With decades of experience and a long list of success stories, our law firm, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will successfully represent you and your family in a workplace accident.

You can count on our reputable San Diego workers’ compensation attorneys to help you with your insurance claim or even represent you in court if necessary. Arash Law has won over $500 million for its clients and is known for its success and credibility as one of the most reputable personal injury law firms in California.

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

What to do after a work accident in San Diego, CA?

A worker who is injured or killed in a workplace accident in San Diego is entitled to compensation under the state’s workers’ compensation law, regardless of who is at fault. If you or a loved one has been involved in a workplace accident, it’s important to take immediate action 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 way the incident will be documented and appropriate measures can be taken.
2. See a doctor: Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, but can worsen over time. Medical records 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 critical in supporting your claim.
4. Collecting witness statements: Obtain contact information and statements from any witnesses to the incident. Their statements can strengthen your case.
5. Submit a claim for compensation for work accidents: In California, most workers are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after an accident at work. Report the incident to your employer and file a claim as soon as possible.
6. Keep detailed records: Keep a record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any impact the injury has had on your daily life. This documentation is important in building your case.
7. Consult an experienced workers compensation attorney: Call our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys to discuss your case and review your legal options. An attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and seek additional compensation if third-party liability is involved.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Work accident statistics

According to OSHA, over 4,500 work-related injuries and deaths are reported in the United States each year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66.7% of American workers reported a work-related injury in November 2020, the same number as the previous year.

In 2018, 5,333 people died as a result of work-related accidents, 2% more than in 2017. In 2015, falls were the cause of 40.2% of all accidental deaths and 16% of unintentional deaths.

The most common causes of fatal accidents at work include car accidents, falls and acts of violence. Conversely, falls and stress during transport are the most common causes of non-fatal accidents at work.