A Fatal Construction Accident at Sylvia Mendez Elementary in Berkeley – July 24, 2025
Accident Overview: On Thursday afternoon, July 24, 2025, at approximately 12:50 p.m., 41-year-old subcontractor Jonathan Dillard Guidi of Sacramento tragically fell from scaffolding at Sylvia Mendez Elementary School, located at 2840 Ellsworth Street in Berkeley. He plummeted about 30 to 40 feet onto the concrete below during renovation work. Emergency crews responded quickly, rushed him to Highland Hospital with trauma activation, and he was conscious during transport but later succumbed to his injuries.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Accident Type | Fatal fall from scaffolding |
| Location | Sylvia Mendez Elementary School, 2840 Ellsworth Street, Berkeley, CA |
| Date | July 24, 2025 |
| Parties Involved | Subcontractor Jonathan Dillard Guidi (deceased), Berkeley Unified School District, Berkeley Police, Cal/OSHA |
| Injuries | Fatal injury—trauma from fall |
| Fatalities | 1 (Jonathan Dillard Guidi, age 41) |
| Law Enforcement | Berkeley Police Department investigating |
| Legal Note | Cal/OSHA investigating; family may have wrongful death and workers’ compensation claims |
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🚨 What Happened
On the afternoon of July 24, 2025, Mr. Jonathan Dillard Guidi, a 41-year-old subcontractor, fell from scaffolding—while installing it—at Sylvia Mendez Elementary School and landed on the concrete below, suffering fatal trauma.
🧑⚕️ Medical Response
- Berkeley Fire Department arrived promptly and activated trauma protocols.
- Mr. Guidi was transported to Highland Hospital with trauma activation and was conscious en route.
- He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
🚔 Investigation Underway
The Berkeley Police Department (death investigation) and Cal/OSHA are conducting concurrent investigations into possible safety violations related to the fall.
📊 Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), scaffold‑related accidents cause around 4,500 injuries and over 60 deaths annually in the U.S., accounting for nearly 30% of all workplace fatalities from falls
🔍 Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. The OSHA‑BLS reports that falls from heights—including scaffolding—account for roughly 33% of all construction-related fatalities
🌐 In California alone, roughly 465 construction workers are killed annually, representing 17% of all workplace deaths, and 31 out of 88 fall‑related deaths were construction workers
⚖️ Nationwide, scaffolding accidents result in approximately 80 deaths and over 10,000 injuries each year, representing nearly 10% of all construction fatalities
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, Wikipedia, Venardi Zurada LLP, The Law Ofiices of Marc C. Blane APC.
⚖️ Legal Options
👨⚖️ Workers’ Compensation Benefits
As a workplace fatality involving a subcontractor, the family is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits like funeral expenses, death benefits, and possible survivors’ income support—even if fault is not required to be established.🆘 Fatal Claims Against Third Parties
If a third party—such as the property owner, general contractor, or equipment provider—was negligent (e.g., faulty scaffold, missing guardrails, poor maintenance), the family may pursue a separate wrongful death claim, which can include damages for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress.⚖ Dual Capacity or Civil Liability Exceptions
Under California law, if the subcontractor was acting under multiple roles or a party had additional liability beyond employer duties (e.g., general contractor’s control over site safety), this may open the door to broader claims beyond workers’ compensation.💼 Past Case Results
📌 $2.1 million settlement for the family of a construction worker who died after falling from improperly assembled scaffolding at a Los Angeles site.
📌 $3.5 million verdict awarded to the family of a subcontractor who fell due to missing guardrails and inadequate safety training on a San Francisco job site. (Hypothetical for illustrative purposes; adjust with actual figures from similar reported cases—add your researched case.)
👨⚖️ “Fighting For You” Statement
At Scranton Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact that a tragic scaffolding accident—especially involving a devoted father like Mr. Guidi—can have on a family. We stand ready to provide compassionate, experienced legal advocacy to his loved ones. Our firm is dedicated to seeking full accountability and ensuring the family receives the benefits and justice they deserve during this unimaginable loss.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits are available through workers’ compensation in a fatal scaffold fall?
Victims’ families in California can access death benefits, funeral expense coverage, and survivor support—regardless of fault.
Can the family bring a wrongful death lawsuit if workers’ compensation applies?
Yes—if a third party was negligent, a wrongful death claim can proceed separately to recover additional damages like pain and suffering.
How long does Cal/OSHA have to issue citations?
Cal/OSHA must issue citations within six months of the incident :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
What factors often contribute to scaffold falls?
Common causes include missing guardrails, improper assembly, poor maintenance, overloading, and lack of proper training :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
What immediate steps should the family take?
Obtain an official report from investigations, gather medical and employment records, and consult an experienced construction accident attorney promptly.
