[09-01-2023] Santa Clara County, CA – Two VTA Employees Injured After Fire Broke Out on Battery Electric Bus in San Jose

Two VTA employees were injured after a fire broke out on a battery electric bus in San Jose on Friday, September 1, 2023.

According to the investigating agency, the incident occured on Zanker and Highway 237 at an unspecified time.

Authorities stated they discovered the workers had smoke inhalation injuries when they attempted to extinguish a fire on a battery-operated bus while repairing it at the VTA’s Cerone maintenance yard. For medical attention, the two mechanics were transferred to a nearby hospital.

Officials said the two workers pushed the bus out of the maintenance area after failing to put out the fire to prevent further damage to the structure. Employees in the area were evacuated, and emergency personnel arrived to put out the fires shortly after.

The burning bus was one of a fleet of ten battery-operated Proterra buses, all of which have since been taken out of operation while the cause of the incident is being investigated.

The VTA staff returned to their regular jobs when the fire was out. The burned-out bus was irreparably damaged.

Investigations into the incident are still going on.

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in San Jose, CA

Under California’s workers’ compensation law, employees who sustain injuries are eligible for compensation, regardless of who is blamed. If the injury was work-related and wasn’t the result of carelessness or misconduct, they are eligible to file claims for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.

Lawyers specializing in worker’s compensation can help individuals protect their rights, obtain a fair settlement, or even bring a lawsuit without proving fault on the employer’s part.

You can rely on our most reliable San Jose Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 Million for California clients.

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

What To Do After Workplace Accident

Workplace accidents can be highly disorienting and distressing. You can endure this challenging time and take the necessary steps to safeguard your rights and well-being.

• Report the accident immediately to your supervisor or employer. It will ensure an official record of the incident is maintained.

• Record the tragedy. Collect as much information about the accident as is feasible. Take photographs of the scene and the injury, and record witnesses’ names and contact information.
• Consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. If the tragedy occurred on the job, it may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Contact your employer’s human resources department or the state’s workers’ compensation board to file a claim.
• Consider legal action: If you believe your employer was negligent in preventing the accident or providing adequate compensation or support, you may consult our skilled worker’s compensation lawyers in California, specializing in workplace accidents.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Workplace Accident Statistics

Over 4,500 work-related injuries and fatalities are reported each year in the US, according to OSHA. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in November 2020, 66.7% of American workers reported an injury at work, the same as the previous year.

Despite declining workers’ compensation claims, there were 5,333 fatal workplace accidents in 2018, a 2% increase from the previous year. About 40.2% of all accidental fatalities and 16% of all unintentional fatalities in 2015 were caused by falls.

The primary causes of workplace fatalities include automobile accidents, falls, and acts of violence. Conversely, falls and strains from hauling are the leading causes of nonfatal workplace injuries.