Sergio Gonzalez (Full Name: Sergio Nunez Gonzalez) Died After Retaining Wall Collapsed At Private Residence on Sierra Meadow Drive
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (November 16, 2025) – A 30-year-old construction worker identified as Sergio Gonzalez has tragically died in a Sierra Madre, Los Angeles construction accident on Sierra Meadow Drive.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:15 PM on August 15. For undetermined reasons, a retaining wall collapsed and trapped Sergio Gonzalez in the process.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. He was extricated from the retaining wall with critical injuries.
Sadly, Sergio Gonzalez was beyond medical help and pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the Sierra Madre construction accident remains ongoing.
Liability for Los Angeles Construction Accidents
Construction companies in California have a legal obligation to protect their workers from foreseeable sources of harm. Pursuant to California Labor Code § 6401, “Every employer shall furnish and use safety devices and safeguards, and shall adopt and use practices, means, methods, operations, and processes which are reasonably adequate to render such employment and place of employment safe and healthful. Every employer shall do every other thing reasonably necessary to protect the life, safety, and health of employees.” There are several steps in particular that employers, must take to protect workers from being injured by retaining wall collapse.
- Assessment: Construction companies must use a qualified person to assess the stability of the wall.
- Identify: Construction companies should work to identify and control foreseeable loads against the wall.
- Control: Construction companies should create exclusion zones to prevent people from randomly entering into dangerous areas.
- Support: Construction companies must provide bracing or other temporary structural support to prevent a wall from collapsing before it’s supposed to.
When a worker is injured or killed in California, they or their surviving family members will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help injured workers and family members. There is no need to demonstrate fault through the workers’ compensation system. An injured worker may also be able to seek support through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from the worker’s employer contributed to an accident. This may include general contractors if they failed to maintain a worksite in a reasonably safe condition.
Steps to Take After Los Angeles Construction Accidents
Falls and being hit by falling objects remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death for construction workers. Many of these accidents involve collapses or trench cave-ins. According to NPR, “Texas Public Radio and the program 1A finds that more than 250 workers have died in trench cave-ins over the last decade. Deaths that were preventable, experts say.” Many different steps should be taken after any accident involving a construction accident.
- Medical Records: All of the medical records related to the incident should be collected and preserved.
- OSHA Report: The report created by OSHA should be carefully reviewed. It can help reveal any safety lapses that may have contributed to the accident.
- Legal Review: Any person injured in a construction accident should carefully consider their options with an experienced legal team.
Construction accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to be the result of clear safety lapses and overlooked OSHA regulations. This is why it is so important that worksites are overseen by a qualified person. It is important for victims of construction accidents to understand that they do have legal rights. These rights extend to the family of any person who dies on the job. They may be able to seek some measure of justice and accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Los Angeles County Construction Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sergio Gonzalez. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. Steps need to be taken to prevent similar accidents down the road.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles County construction accident? Our team of construction safety 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 any accident, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se habla español.
