Houston, TX — September 10, 2024, Danilo Martinez-Portillo was killed as the result of a work accident that took place along Rio Grande Drive.
According to information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the incident happened along the 8000 block of Rio Grande Drive, just off Dude Road by Bang Elementary School.
Investigators said that 38-year-old Danilo Martinez-Portillo was working at the time. In a series of events unclear, steel chains used to lift something “struck” Martinez-Portillo. Martinez-Portillo was killed as a result. There were no other reported injuries.
While details about the accident are scarce, the OSHA summary lists 10 alleged citations, of which nine were labeled as “Serious.” There is also a recommended current penalty of $82,057. The case remains open at the time of writing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
With so many serious alleged violations here, I have to wonder if any investigators are looking into these events without the sole purpose of looking for potential fines. I’ve been in this line of work for over 30 years. The reality is that the needs of a worker’s loved ones and the goals of departments like OSHA are not always aligned.
OSHA may end up issuing serious fines a negligent employer, but families often need specific evidence and legal tools to get benefits, as Texas employers are not always going to automatically provide those benefits. Maybe steps have already been taken here to dig up the issues surrounding what led to this accident such that the victim’s loved ones stand the best chance possible of getting a resolution that’s fair to them. If OSHA officials are the only one taking steps to look into things, though, there could be more to this story not getting the attention it deserves.
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