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Millions of people work in automobile manufacturing plants throughout the United States. Unfortunately, auto workers have dangerous jobs. They work under stressful conditions for long hours with heavy machinery. According to government statistics, manufacturing had the second-highest recorded injuries and illnesses for 2023. Our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys discuss common injuries in Atlanta’s automobile manufacturing plants and the steps injured workers should take to protect their rights.
What Types of Injuries Do Workers Sustain in Atlanta’s Automobile Manufacturing Plants?
Injuries in automobile manufacturing plants range from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries. Common injuries workers sustain in automobile manufacturing plants include:
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injury
- Soft tissue injuries
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Fractured, crushed, and broken bones
- Electrocutions and electrical injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Injuries to internal organs
- Repetitive strain injuries
Report your injuries to your employer as soon as possible. Call 911 or go directly to the emergency room if you require emergency medical treatment. Your employer should provide a list of medical care providers for you to choose from if you do not require emergency medical treatment for a workplace injury.
Common Causes of Injuries in Automobile Manufacturing Plants in Atlanta, GA
Workplace injuries happen for many reasons. Common reasons auto workers are injured on the job include:
- Fatigue
- Improper training
- Defective machinery
- Insufficient safety equipment
- Slip and fall accidents
- Explosions and fires
- Caught in/stuck between accidents
- Transportation accidents
- Chemical leaks and spills
- Electrical hazards
- Overexertion and repetitive stress
- Noise hazards
- Falling objects
When an auto worker is hurt on the job, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Unlike a personal injury claim, they do not need to prove fault to receive benefits. However, they will need to establish they were injured during the ordinary course of their employment.
Types of Compensation an Auto Worker Can Receive a Workplace Injury
Most employers in Georgia have workers’ compensation insurance. The first step for an injured auto worker is to file a workers’ comp claim. Another option to explore is a personal injury lawsuit against a third party who caused your injuries.
Workers’ Compensation for Injuries at Automobile Manufacturing Plants
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to help injured workers recover and return to work. An injured auto worker may receive workers’ comp benefits such as:
- Medical benefits to pay for reasonable and necessary medical care
- Temporary disability benefits if the worker cannot work during their recovery
- Rehabilitation coverage
- Permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits for surviving members
Workers’ compensation does not compensate you for all losses. However, it is a no-fault system, so you can be partially to blame for your injury and recover benefits. You also do not need to prove someone caused your injury to receive benefits.
Third Party Claims for Injuries at Automobile Manufacturing Plants
The personal injury claim could result in additional compensation. Third party claims include economic damages for all monetary losses. They also include non-economic damages for pain and suffering, which are not included in workers’ compensation claims.
However, you must prove that a third party caused your injuries. Additionally, your damages could be reduced if you are partially at fault.
Generally, you cannot sue your employer if you are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. You can sue third parties who caused your injuries. An example is suing a product manufacturer when a defective tool causes your injuries.
An experienced workers’ comp attorney will review your case and advise you of all options to receive money for your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Injuries in Atlanta automobile manufacturing plants can result in life-altering conditions. Call Parsons Law Group to schedule a free case evaluation with our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys to discuss your legal options for receiving benefits and compensation.