Toxic Chemical Kills Los Banos Farmer
A toxic chemical released accidentally at a Merced County farm caused the death of a Los Banos man. Nine others who were exposed required medical treatment. The accident occurred around 1:00 in the afternoon on June 13 around China Camp Road and Monroe Avenue at a farm owned by John Menenzes, age 49. Menenzes died from exposure to the unidentified chemical. The Sacramento Fire Department and officers with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office responded to the emergency. The man who died reportedly had gone to prep or check some farm chemicals when toxic fumes overcame him. A farm chemical sales rep who was on the property at the time said he smelled the odor and called 911 for help. I would like to extend my sympathy to the family for their loss.
Son of Deceased Worker Injured
A teenage son of Menenzes was also exposed to the toxic chemical and was taken to a Merced hospital, where he was reported as being in a stable condition. The younger Menenzes is a senior at Los Banos High School and an athlete who is a talented baseball player. Several ambulance workers and six deputies with the sheriff’s department were also treated for possible exposure to the toxic chemical.
Investigation Into the Incident
It has not yet been reported what chemical or chemicals might have been responsible for the accident. The Environmental Health Services of Merced County, along with authorities with Sac Fire and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, are investigating the incident to determine what happened and which chemicals were involved. However, the spill was believed to involve an agricultural product. Additional questions have to be answered, such as was it a single chemical or had it been mixed with something else and did weather conditions contribute to the danger.
What Are Some Agricultural Chemicals?
Some of the most common agricultural chemicals are used as:
- Pesticides
- Fungicides
- Insecticides
- Insect/fungicides
- Rodenticides
- Herbicides
- Attractants
- Regulators
- Spreaders
- Repellents
Pesticides used on a farm include Metam sodium, Telone II, Methyl bromide, and Chloropicrin. Methyl bromide is capable of causing damage to the nervous system and cardiac arrest. Telone II is capable of killing an agricultural worker or causing cancer. Chloropicrin can be lethal by causing respiratory distress. Herbicides such as glyphosate can cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Compensation for a Wrongful Death
A lawyer experienced in handling wrongful death cases can be invaluable in obtaining the compensation you need. Some of the areas that are covered in a wrongful death include the following compensation:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support in the future that was provided by the decedent
- Loss of consortium, which is the personal relationship between spouses or partners
- Household services such as lawn care, working on the car, childcare or handling finances
- Loss of parental love, guidance, training, and care
- Loss of inheritance because the decedent will no longer be building a legacy for the family
- Loss of affection, moral support, companionship, and comfort
- Medical expenses if the decedent lived for a time before their death, which is placed through a survival action
- Punitive damages if the death was intentional or caused by a drunk driver or other extreme negligence
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Helps
A wrongful death lawyer can negotiate for you with the insurance company. If this does not provide the financial relief you are seeking, the case can be taken to civil court. By examining existing evidence and conducting their own investigation, the lawyer can build a case that may bring the relief you seek. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that the family pays nothing until the case has concluded successfully.
Merced Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death lawyer. When the loss of a loved one is due to a wrongful death, the family may claim compensation. If your loved one died due to negligence by another person or entity, please call me at (209) 227-1931 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me at the toll-free number (800) 404-5400 or contact me online.
For client reviews on how I have helped others and cases that my law firm has handled, click the links below:
I am honored to belong to the following groups:
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel invites lawyers as members who display the highest standards in the legal profession.
- The Million Dollar Forum showcases lawyers who have won in excess of $1 million for a former client.
My office handles many kinds of personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, traumas such as brain injuries and all types of car collisions. Over my 37 years working as an injury lawyer, I’ve helped many residents of Merced and the surrounding areas.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/funeral-flowers-wreaths-of-flowers-374183/
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