The construction site is a high-hazard working environment. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that fatal accidents in the construction industry accounted for 47.4% of all workplace fatalities, while non-fatal accidents requiring at least one day away from work constituted 31.5%. If you or your loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, you may be entitled to construction accident compensation. Our attorneys Georgia construction accident attorneys are experienced in helping you seek legal recourse following your accident.
Common Types of Construction Site Accidents
There are a number of types of accidents that occur on construction sites. Some frequent accidents that occur are:
- Electrical accidents – Coming in contact with faulty electrical systems, live wires, or improper use of electrical equipment may result in severe electrical burns or electrocution.
- Falls from heights – Workers may fall from scaffolding, roofs, ladders, cranes, and other heights at work.
- Struck-by incidents – A struck-by incident occurs as a result of coming in contact with a flying, falling, swinging, or rolling object. For example, the worker may get hit by a flying tool.
- Equipment-related injuries – Handling faulty equipment or having inadequate training in handling equipment such as cranes or forklifts can lead to serious injury.
- Trench collapses – OSHA reports that at least 40 workers die each year as a result of trenching. Trenching occurs when workers are buried or trapped as a result of a trench or evacuation site collapse.
Other injuries such as exposure to harmful substances, overexertion, fire, and explosions are also cause construction site accidents in Georgia. Consulting with an attorney can help you secure your rights and due compensation.
Legal Rights of Construction Workers
As a construction worker, it is important to know the legal rights of construction workers in Georgia. These protections are designed specifically to uphold your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment and construction accident compensation for injuries sustained on the job. Some legal protections available to construction workers include:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – This law ensures that workers receive fair wages and overtime pay. It also sets the minimum wage standards and working hours.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Although Georgia does not have its own OSHA-approved state plan, it adheres to federal OSHA standards. The federal OSHA sets and enforces standards for safe and healthy working conditions for construction workers.
- Workers’ Compensation: Mandated through the state, this insurance program ensures that employees who suffer from construction site accidents in Georgia are compensated.
Workers’ compensation is available to most construction workers even if they fall under part-time, full time or seasonal employees. If you are injured on a construction site, you are entitled to benefits such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits
In addition to workers’ compensation, you may be eligible to file third-party claims if your injury was caused due to another person’s negligence, defective equipment, or unsafe premises.
How a Georgia Construction Accident Attorney Can Help
Construction accident attorneys are here to help you if you have been injured in construction site accidents in Georgia. Some services provided by our attorneys include:
- Free Consultation
- Gathering evidence to help guide you through your claims process
- Representation for negotiating on your behalf and any required court proceedings
Consulting an experienced attorney will help you focus on your recovery, while the Georgia construction accident attorneys work on securing your construction accident compensation.
What to Do After a Construction Site Accident
After a construction site accident, you may be unsure of your next steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you should proceed:
- Report the incident immediately
- Seek medical attention for your injuries
- Document everything and speak to witnesses
- Contact a Georgia construction accident attorney
Reporting your incident sooner rather than later is critical as you must report your injury within 30 days or you risk the chances of having your claim denied.
Contact the Georgia Construction Accident Attorneys to Help With Your Case
Due to the hazardous nature of construction sites, it is important that you know your rights as a construction site worker. Our Georgia construction accident attorneys are ready and willing to assist with your case and provide you with your just compensation. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.