Bay Area Injury Lawyer News: Charges Filed in Connection with Worker Fatality
10/29/2010 // San Francisco, CA, US // Mary Alexander // Mary Alexander - San Francisco workplace injury attorney
San Francisco, CA—The unfortunate death of a pregnant worker in 2008 prompted federal regulators to inspect and cite a San Francisco printing plant for 14 safety violations, assessing nearly $81,000 in fines. The owner and manager were also charged with involuntary manslaughter and willful violation of labor laws in connection with the Jan. 29, 2008 workplace accident that claimed the life of a 26-year-old Oakland woman. According to an October 19, 2010 San Francisco Chronicle report, repercussions also included $1 million in fines and a wrongful death lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of the victim’s family. That particular civil suit was allegedly settled for $6 million.
Reports indicated Margarita Mojica was preparing a box creasing and cutting machine at the Potrero Hill-based Digital Pre-Press International plant when something went horribly wrong. The machinery abruptly turned on as Mojica leaned into it, causing her to become trapped. Though fire rescue personnel managed to free Mojica’s body after 20 minutes, she was tragically crushed to death. Mojica, who was 17-weeks pregnant when the fatal on-the-job accident occurred, is survived by a husband, Martin Breuer, and a young daughter. Sanjay Sakhuja, the 52-year-old owner of Digital Pre-Press International, along with the DPI’s pressroom manager, 50-year-old Alick Yeung, have now been charged with manslaughter and labor code violations.
Prosecutors claim the company’s workers were insufficiently trained to verify that the cutting machine was properly shut down during setup. DPI also allegedly failed to padlock the machines in the off position or establish rules that would require two employees to be present when the equipment is being activated. To make matters worse, the company’s cutting and creasing machine lacked a safety bar. The safety bar was removed to allow thicker cardboard to go through the machine. Both Sakhuja and Yeung face penalties of $250,000 each and could potentially spend up to four years in state prison. The case continues.
Leading San Francisco workplace injury attorney Mary Alexander, states if you or a loved one has suffered injury on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. With more than 25 years of experience litigating the multifaceted workplace accident and wrongful death claims of victims and their families, contacting Bay Area injury lawyer Mary Alexander may help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
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