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SP man broke back: Man charged for not paying workers’ comp insurance

October 21, 2009
Santa Paula News

A Lompoc man who employed a Santa Paula construction worker who broke his back in March while on a Main Street job site has been charged with failing to provide workers’ compensaation insurance for his workers.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA Lompoc man who employed a Santa Paula construction worker who broke his back in March while on a Main Street job site has been charged with failing to provide workers’ compensaation insurance for his workers. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced last week that Anthony Cortez, 40, the owner of TC Construction Co., will be arraigned in connection with the criminal complaint on November 6 in Ventura County Superior Court.The accident occurred March 30 when 30-year-old Leo Garcia was working on a home remodel in the 500 block of Main Street. At about 9:30 a.m. Garcia was stripping the siding from the second floor when he stepped inside a cutting for a new stair system. There was no railing and Garcia fell approximately 15-feet, landing on his back. Garcia, who suffered a severe injury in his fall, was treated on the scene and transported to Ventura County Medical Center.
In an interview following the mishap, Santa Paula Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Fildes described the accident as “very preventable.” The state Occupational Safety & Health Agency (OSHA) was notified and investigated the accident.According to the District Attorney’s Office, injured employees who work for uninsured employers often seek compensation for their injuries from a state program funded by taxpayers.