A man died Thursday in a wood chipper accident while performing tree-trimming services at a residential location, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Department said.

The victim, 50-year-old Martin Lara, of Applegate, was working with other crew members while operating an industrial chipper.

Crew members working with the man in the 10000 block of Indian Shack Road heard him scream for help.

By the time they ran to assist, it was too late. Lara was pronounced dead at the scene just after 8:15 a.m., deputies said.

Cause of the Nevada City Fatal Accident

Although deputies initially said Lara got entangled in rope as he fed brush, and was then pulled into the machine, the Nevada County Coroner’s Office gave a different report.

It does not appear Lara went into the chipper, coroner’s office spokesman Sgt. Paul Schmidt said.

Lara was tangled in something that was caught in the wood chipper — which then got caught around his neck and decapitated him, Schmidt said.

The Accident remains under investigation

Liability for Fatal Machinery Accident in Nevada City

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is not immediately clear whether the cause of this accident was due to a malfunction in the equipment. However, if investigators come to a conclusion there was a machinery malfunction, the employer in which the victim is under the supervision could be held accountable for his death, as they are obligated and responsible for providing safe and functioning equipment.

Therefore, in a fatal accident like this one, it would be well-advised for the family of the victim to speak to an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable in machinery accidents can help family members understand their legal rights, ensure those rights are protected in a wrongful death claim, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for their tragic loss.