Tragic workplace accidents can claim lives in unexpected ways, demonstrated to a heartbreaking degree by the recent loss of life at the Squaw Valley ski resort. While the details are still emerging, the loss of a ski patrol member has been felt immediately by the entire community.
The accident occurred around 8:30 in the morning about a week ago. Initial reports indicate that the death was related to an accidental explosion set off by a hand-held detonator. Such hand-held devices are common in the industry, used to combat the possibility of avalanches. The region has faced similar heartbreak a few times in recent years, with two other fatalities in the last 10 years.
A ski resort, like many outdoor work environments, hold many opportunities for injury or death. Even when proper precautions are taken, the presence of explosives or the possibility of being injured while skiing or working in the area remain high, compared to other work environments.
No matter what your job may be, you may be injured or killed at any time. When tragedy strikes, it is important to have proper legal assistance. For those who lose a loved one in a workplace tragedy, it can be overwhelming to know what steps should be taken next. You may also face expenses related to the death that you do not know how to handle. This is normal, but it does not have to remain overwhelming indefinitely. An experienced, empathetic attorney can help you navigate this difficult season and pursue justice on your behalf, ensuring that you have the proper resources to handle both the emotional distress of your loss and unanticipated expenses that may arise.
Source: The Sacramento Bee, “Squaw Valley mourns loss of ‘best of the best,’ killed in accident,” Bill Lindelof, Brad Branan and Ed Fletcher, Jan. 24, 2017
