Texas Accident & Injury News
Warehouse workers are at high risk for injuries on the job.
Teresa Dominguez’s Death While Working in H-E-B Warehouse Prompts OSHA Investigation
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a warehouse worker’s death last month prompted an OSHA investigation.¹
Police reported that the incident happened at the H-E-B warehouse along the 5700 block of Rittiman Road on the Northeast Side. The initial report stated Teresa Dominguez, 27, was found unconscious in a freezer and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that she died from blunt trauma to the lower extremity.
Police initially indicated that Dominguez died from a forklift accident, but H-E-B disputed it, saying that she died from a medical episode and may have been injured by a forklift.
“Our H-E-B Family is heartbroken, and we are providing support to and are in contact with the family during this difficult time. We are also staying close to our Partners,” H-E-B said in a statement.
Did You Know?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, warehouse workers experience nearly twice the average rate of nonfatal workplace injuries compared to all private-sector workers.²
Warehousing Injuries in Texas
The tragic death of 27-year-old Teresa Dominguez at an H-E-B warehouse highlights just how dangerous warehouse work can be. Forklifts, pallet jacks, heavy loads, and temperature-controlled areas like freezers all create environments where one small mistake can lead to serious or even fatal injuries.
According to the OSHA Online Center, fatal injuries in the warehousing and storage industry surged 23% in 2021 compared to 2020, marking a troubling increase that has continued in recent years.³
Common Causes of Warehouse Accidents
Warehouses are busy, high-traffic environments where employees often work alongside moving equipment and large inventory systems. Some of the most common causes of serious injuries include:
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Forklift and vehicle accidents – Operators or pedestrians struck by forklifts are one of the leading sources of fatal injuries.
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Falling objects – Improperly stacked pallets or unsecured shelving can lead to crushing injuries.
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Slips, trips, and falls – Wet floors, icy freezer conditions, or cluttered walkways are frequent hazards.
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Extreme temperatures – Freezer workers face additional risks of cold stress and slower reaction times.
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Overexertion and repetitive stress – Lifting and bending for long shifts can cause long-term physical harm.
Even when safety protocols are in place, short staffing, fatigue, or pressure to meet quotas can make accidents more likely.
OSHA Investigations and Employer Responsibilities
When a workplace fatality occurs, OSHA automatically investigates to determine whether safety standards were followed. Employers are legally required to maintain a workplace “free from recognized hazards,” which includes:
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Proper training for heavy machinery
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Routine equipment maintenance
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Safe facility design and oversight
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Clear emergency procedures
If OSHA finds that the employer failed to meet federal safety requirements, the company may face penalties, required corrective actions, or additional oversight.
What Families Can Do After a Workplace Death
After a fatal workplace accident, families may qualify for workers’ compensation death benefits, which can include funeral expenses and partial income replacement. However, in cases where employer negligence, unsafe conditions, or defective equipment contributed to the incident, families may also have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
An experienced attorney can help review OSHA findings, gather evidence, and determine whether additional parties—such as equipment manufacturers or third-party contractors—may share responsibility.
Lost a Loved One in a Warehouse Accident? Call Shaw.
No family should have to fight for answers alone after a workplace tragedy. If you lost a loved one in a warehouse accident anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Funeral and burial costs
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Medical expenses
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Lost income and financial support
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of consortium
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And more
We can help you understand your rights and determine whether negligence played a role.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced wrongful death attorney. No fees. No pressure. Just the dedicated legal guidance you need when you need it the most.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.