Atlanta, GA Construction Accident Attorneys

Recent statistics suggest that about 305,000 Georgia residents work in the construction industry, which amounts to about one in 16 workers across the entire state. Overall, the industry makes up about 4.6% of the state’s entire GDP.

Considering how common construction work is, construction-related accidents happen regularly in Georgia, too. If you get hurt in a work-related incident, then your best course of action is to consult with Atlanta construction accident attorneys who can help you unpack what happened, identify your options, and navigate your journey towards seeking monetary compensation.

You should be eligible for compensation in almost all work-related accidents. Learn more about the common causes of construction accidents, how to identify liability, and where to seek compensation.

Common Causes of Construction Site Injuries in Georgia

Construction worksites are inherently dangerous, especially for inexperienced employees or workers who haven’t been properly trained. Due to the number of hazards a construction worker faces daily, construction site injuries happen regularly. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common causes of construction site injuries in Georgia.

Safety Violations

The number one cause of construction injuries and fatalities is safety violations. Considering the hazardous construction work, it makes sense that OSHA regulations closely monitor these hazards. OSHA has put into place several rules and regulations that help employers and employees manage the many risks of construction work. They are obligated to follow these rules by law.

The top causes of fatalities at construction sites, or the “Fatal Four” according to OSHA are: 

1. Falling.
2. Getting struck by objects.
3. Getting caught in or between objects.
4. Electrocution.

All of these risks can be safely managed using OSHA’s techniques. For instance, any work from a height should include safety gear that prevents a fatal fall. Electrical work is also closely monitored through the use of grounding, electrical protective devices, safe work practices, and the use of insulation.

While OSHA’s rules can’t completely eliminate the risk of injury on a job site, it does sharply reduce the frequency and severity of work-related injuries and death. Following safety standards is a legal obligation and a wise decision for employees and employers, as it keeps everyone safer.

Inexperience or a Lack of Proper Training

Another common cause of construction accidents is inexperience or a lack of proper training. Under OSHA’s standards, employees should be provided with the proper training to help them navigate construction worksites and the hazards associated with them. Without the proper training, a construction worker can quickly and easily find themselves in an extremely dangerous situation. The right training can help workers navigate risks and hazards as they emerge.

Unfortunately, even with the proper training, inexperience can lead to an accident. Sometimes, managing risks requires hands-on training or real-world experience, and considering the nature of most construction work, many things are simply learned on the job.

Third-Party Negligence

Another common cause of construction accidents in Georgia is third-party negligence. It happens when someone other than the employer or employee has a legal duty to provide for the care and safety of the worker and fails to do so. This failure must lead to an accident and the workers’ injuries.

One example would be if a construction crew rented a forklift to complete a job. The forklift owner has to ensure the machine is safe and in operating condition before lending it out. If the owner has failed to maintain the machine to the point it fails at the job site and causes an injury, then that owner might be considered a negligent third party. Depending on the circumstances, the owner of the forklift could be considered liable for the worker’s injuries and losses.

Types of Injuries in Construction Accidents

Construction work is vast, so the types of injuries experienced in construction accidents vary significantly. Here are a few of the most commonly reported types of construction injuries:

• broken bones;
• fractures, sprains, and strains;
• spinal cord injuries;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• thermal or chemical burns;
• overexertion;
• lacerations;
• eye injury and vision damage.

Navigating Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

Typically, when you experience a work-related accident, your first source of recourse would be your worker’s compensation insurance. In Georgia, employers with more than three workers are required by law to take out worker’s compensation policies on their employees. That way, if someone gets hurt, they’re covered under the policy regardless of fault.

Worker’s comp can help you recover expenses from medical bills as well as partial payments for lost income. Your employer will handle officially reporting your accident and filing the claim with their insurance, so you’ll need to stay in contact with them to navigate your claim. If you run into any issues, then consider talking to a lawyer about what to do next.

Identifying Liability in Construction Accidents

Suppose you’re struggling with substantial injuries and losses. In that case, it might be necessary for you to consider the potential legal remedies for construction accidents available to you based on your circumstances. While worker’s compensation insurance is helpful, it rarely covers the full extent of your losses when you experience a serious injury. That said, you may need to identify who could be potentially liable in your accident situation. This could include third parties or an employer who was overly reckless or egregiously negligent. If you’re currently attempting to identify liability in a construction accident, then consider consulting with an attorney who can help.

Why Choose Our Atlanta Construction Accident Lawyers

Here at Kermani LLP, our team takes pride in providing the highest level of legal representation that we can to each of our clients. Our Georgia construction accident lawyers have litigated several work-related accident claims, and we’d be happy to help you get the compensation you need to move forward after your work injury. Not only does our team have the right experience and qualifications, but we also have the passion and drive necessary to help personalize your claim and push it to the forefront.

How We Handle Your Construction Accident Case

When you reach out to our team, we’ll listen intently to the facts and circumstances surrounding your claim. We’ll seek to identify potentially liable parties as well as determine the impact your injury has had on your overall quality of life. If we think you have a legal claim, then we’ll help you build up the strongest possible case before negotiating with the responsible party for you. If we think you have a claim through worker’s compensation, then we can help you navigate any legal challenges you face in collecting your rightful compensation.

Contact Our Georgia Construction Accident Lawyers

If you’ve recently been injured in a construction-related incident, then our Atlanta construction accident attorneys can help you navigate your situation moving forward. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible for worker’s compensation or a settlement from a lawsuit against a third party that was negligent. 

Here at Kermani LLP, our team of attorneys will help you maximize your compensation by valuing and documenting your losses. We strive to make sure every client gets the maximum compensation they can based on their construction injury case.

Schedule a meeting with our lawyers now to discuss your options one-on-one with our lawyers.