Man Killed in California Shipyard Accident

A shipyard accident at the Port of Oakland in California lead to the death of a 51-year-old worker, according to NBC News. The accident occurred on October 25 when a crane crushed the man to death in the shipyard. Two workers were attempting to adjust a trolley that was holding the crane when one worker, identified as Mark Arnett, became pinned between the trolley and a guardrail. Arnett was rushed to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The port shut down the crane operation voluntarily so a thorough investigators could begin looking into the incident. Early reports indicate that the crane or the trolley may have not been working properly. Peter Melton, spokesperson for California’s Division of the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), said that Evergreen, the company that owns the crane, has voluntarily suspended operation until the conclusion of the investigation.

“It wasn’t traveling smoothly or correctly,” Melton said.

If an investigation reveals that the conditions were hazardous at the shipyard and that the crane or trolley was not operating properly, then under the law that is negligence,  and the family of the deceased is entitled to damages for their loss.  Latti & Anderson LLP has secured damages for the families of victims of shipyard accidents such as this, especially when a party was negligent. Please contact our firm for a free consultation.

Latti & Anderson LLP—Boston maritime attorneys.