Horacio Dominguez Killed In Rockford Workplace Accident at C&I Stone Design

Industrial Accident - October 5, 2025

Horacio Dominguez (Full Name: Horacio Prada Dominguez) Died After Being Crushed By Quartz Stone Slab at C&I Stone Design on 17th Street in Rockford

Horacio Dominguez Killed In Rockford Workplace Accident at C&I Stone Design

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS (October 5, 2025) – A man identified as Horacio Dominguez has tragically died in a Rockford industrial accident involving large stone slabs.

Rockford police officials are saying that the accident took place on Thursday afternoon. Horacio Dominguez was attempting to move a large piece of court stone when it began to shift and fall on him.

He was not able to free himself after being pinned. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim. Sadly, Horacio Dominguez died about 45 minutes after the initial accident.

A full investigation into the Rockford industrial accident remains ongoing.

Liability for Rockford Industrial Accidents

Employers have a legal obligation to maintain their work sites in a reasonably safe condition. Despite this obligation, Illinois law bars employees from bringing civil actions against their employers in most cases. Instead, most injury claims are adjudicated through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme. Workers and surviving family members may also be able to pursue a third-party liability claim. There could be numerous sources of third-party liability for any industrial accident involving stone slabs.

  • Manufacturer: The company that manufactured stone slabs or other industrial products could be liable if they are defective or improperly anchored.
  • Equipment Company: The company that rented out rigging equipment for industrial projects could be liable if it was poorly maintained.
  • Subcontractor: It is relatively common for any business to work with numerous contractors and subcontractors. They could be held vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their workers.

Many civil claims have been filed after workers were injured in crush accidents. Consider, for example, Avalos v. TL Custom, LLC, 330 P.3d 727 (Utah Ct. App. 2014). A granite supplier employee suffered a major injury after a forklift with a granite slab ran over his foot during the unloading process. The injured worker sued TL Customs for negligence. TL Customs argued the plaintiff was an employee, and must therefore pursue a claim through workers’ compensation. However, a Utah Court of Appeals held that the plaintiff was not a statutory employee and allowed his negligence claim to move forward.

Steps to Take After Rockford Industrial Accidents

Many workers are killed or seriously injured every year in workplace accidents. According to the National Safety Council, “The number of preventable work deaths decreased 3% in 2023, totaling 4,543. In addition to preventable fatal work injuries, 740 homicides and suicides occurred in the workplace in 2023.” Several steps should be taken after any industrial accident.

  • Police Investigation: The police should be called to the scene as soon as possible so that they can begin an immediate investigation into what went wrong.
  • OSHA Investigation: OSHA should also be informed of the accident. They will conduct a more thorough review of the accident and help identify any workplace violations that may have contributed to the incident.
  • Medical Records: All medical records related to injuries should be preserved and reviewed. They can help reveal what happened.
  • Evidence Preservation: All evidence related to the accident should be preserved. This includes the equipment that may have been used to move stone slabs.

The vast majority of workplace accidents are preventable. They tend to be the result of major safety lapses at worksites. Many incidents can be prevented when all OSHA regulations are being followed. It is important for victims and surviving family members to understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Rockford Industrial Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Horacio Dominguez. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies at this location. Many questions still need to be answered.

Do you need more information about a Rockford industrial accident? Our team of workplace accident investigators is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.