Daniel Mendez (Full Name: Daniel Bustos Mendez), of Hayward, Died in Accident While Operating Construction Equipment in Dobbins at Yuba Water Agency Site
YUBA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (September 19, 2025) – A contractor identified as Daniel Mendez has died in a Dobbins construction accident at the Yuba Water Agency site.
Yuba County officials are saying that the accident took place on Thursday. Daniel Mendez was operating a piece of construction equipment when he fell down an embankment near the New Colgate Powerhouse.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Daniel Mendez died due to the severe nature of his injuries.
A full investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Yuba County Construction Accidents
Generally speaking, employees are barred from bringing direct claims against their employers. Instead, most accidents involving injured workers will be adjudicated through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help injured workers and their families, regardless of how an accident took place. In addition to workers’ compensation, an injured worker or their family may be able to pursue a third-party liability claim. There could be numerous sources of third-party negligence in any construction accident.
- Product Manufacturer: The company that manufactured a piece of equipment could be liable for a construction accident if it had a defective design. For example, the equipment may have lacked a rollover protection structure (ROPS) or stability control mechanisms.
- General Contractor: The entity responsible for the safety of a construction site could be liable for an accident if it was caused by unsafe conditions. Project managers may have failed to take into account steep embankments.
- Subcontractor: An entity separate from a worker’s employer could also bear some measure of liability for an accident. Construction sites are typically made up of a blend of different contractors and subcontractors that must work together towards the same goal.
Construction accidents are typically very complex. The factors that could contribute to any construction accident could take place long beforehand. This is why it is so important that all construction sites strictly adhere to OSHA regulations. There should be preplanning when it comes to identifying risks that workers face. When these steps are not taken, tragedies are more likely to occur.
Steps to Take After a Construction Accident
Construction accidents remain alarmingly common across California. According to the OSHA Online Center, “It is hard to fathom how many construction workers die each year. 2019 recorded over 1030 deaths due to falls, slips, and trips on construction sites.” It is important that service steps are taken after any construction accident.
- Medical Evaluation: Victims should seek a thorough medical evaluation. Many of the injuries associated with construction accidents may not be obvious. It’s also important to have it on record that your injury was work-related.
- Report the Accident: Victims should report the accident to their supervisors so that it is officially documented. Failing to report being injured at work can complicate pursuing aid down the road.
- Preserve Evidence: Collecting and preserving evidence is important after any construction accident. This includes taking photographs of the accident site and injuries.
- Legal Consultation: Any person injured in a construction accident should seek the guidance of experienced legal counsel. They can take steps to make sure that evidence is being preserved and that the rights of victims are being protected.
Losing a loved one in any type of workplace accident can be overwhelming. To make matters worse, the companies that may have contributed to the accident will virtually never accept responsibility for what took place. This is why it is so important that these accidents are properly investigated by an outside party. The family of any construction worker who died in an accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Yuba County Construction Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Daniel Mendez. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this. Many questions remain unanswered at this time.
Do you need more information about a Yuba County construction accident? Our team of worker’s rights advocates is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding any workplace accident, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
