There's no doubt about it, construction workers have dangerous jobs. They're faced with numerous hazards every day. Whether it's working at high elevations or controlling heavy equipment, the risk for injury or death is tangible.
When a construction accident in Georgia occurs, you should notify your employer to begin the process of filing a Workers' Compensation claim. This is a form of insurance your employer has to have to cover your injuries and expenses, whether you work for the construction site owner or a general contractor.
The Workers' Compensation system ensures that injured employees will receive funds to address their medical bills and lost wages, even if their own mistake caused the accident (provided they were not engaged in "horseplay" or illegal activity at the time of the accident). On the flipside to this, injured workers can't sue their employers or fellow employees, even if they were negligent.
In many cases, a Workers' Compensation claim may not cover the breadth of your injuries. Other times, your injuries may have been the result of negligence from an individual or organization that is not your employer. This is known as third-party liability and is the only way that you can pursue a personal injury claim.
Some common groups that may be evaluated for third-party liability include:
- Architects & engineers - if an architectural or engineering firm's design is faulty and not up to acceptable standards, and a worker is injured because of it, these groups can be held liable.
- Machine and equipment manufacturers - in addition to a product's design and manufacturing, some manufacturers are responsible for maintaining the equipment; in the case of malfunction that causes injury, a manufacturer's possible negligence will be evaluated.
To explore all your options after a construction accident in Georgia, consult with an Atlanta Workers' Compensation attorney who understands worksite accidents and accompanying issues of complex liability.
Contacting an Atlanta Workers' Compensation Attorney
Injured workers typically have a right to benefits in a Workers' Compensation claim. To help you understand these rights and seek the compensation you may be eligible for to help get your life back in order, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of Sheryl L. Burke for a no-cost consultation on your injury case - 404-842-7838.
