Atlanta Construction Accident Lawyer

Experienced Representation for Construction Accident Victims in Atlanta

While it is true that workplace accidents can happen in any industry, employees who work in construction are disproportionately affected. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that almost 5,500 workers are killed on-the-job every year across all market sectors, and 1 in 5 fatalities are in construction. Plus, when looking at the Top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards, it is clear that construction employers could be doing more to protect their employees. Half of the violations of safety standards involve regulations specific to the construction industry.

For individuals affected by construction accidents in Atlanta, having experienced legal representation is crucial. Construction sites are often filled with hazards, and accidents can lead to serious injuries or worse. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a construction accident, understanding your rights and options is essential for securing the compensation and support you deserve.

At the heart of our service is a deep commitment to the victims of construction accidents. Our legal team is well-versed in the complexities of workplace injury claims and is dedicated to advocating for the safety and rights of workers. We understand the regulations and standards governing Atlanta’s construction sites and use this knowledge to build a strong case for our clients. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, our focus is on ensuring that you receive fair treatment and adequate compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other related damages.

The aftermath of a construction accident can be overwhelming. Let our experienced construction accident attorneys provide the guidance and representation you need during this challenging time. We are committed to helping construction accident victims in Atlanta navigate the legal process with confidence and ease, aiming to bring a sense of justice and closure to your case.

Please contact us to schedule a complimentary case review with an Atlanta construction accident lawyer. You may also benefit from reviewing some background information about the laws.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Most workplace accidents are covered by Georgia workers’ comp laws, which pay benefits to eligible employees who suffer job-related medical conditions. The system covers work-related injuries as well as occupational diseases. To qualify, you must suffer from a condition that occurred on the job or because of your job. You must also comply with deadlines, such as notifying your employer within 30 days and filing a claim within 1 year after the accident.

However, you do not need to prove that your employer was at fault to obtain benefits. Construction employers are required to carry insurance to pay for the losses of injured workers, and this policy is the source of your benefits. You may be entitled to:

• The costs of all medical care that is reasonable and necessary to treat your injuries;
• Benefits for partial or total disability, on a temporary or permanent basis; and,
• Death benefits, if you are the surviving family member of a person killed in a construction accident.

It is important to note that filing a workers’ comp claim is your sole remedy in most cases and that you cannot obtain amounts for pain and suffer through this process.

Construction Accident Lawsuits

There are some important exceptions to the rule that workers’ comp is your sole remedy, and these options might favor your position. One, in particular, is a common scenario in construction accidents because of the nature of the work site. Workers’ comp is NOT your only recourse if a third party, unrelated to your employer, was responsible for causing the incident. This is often the case with construction, where there can be many crews present conducting work.

In such a situation, your remedy comes through Georgia personal injury laws. With this type of claim, you do need to prove fault, i.e., the essential elements of negligence. You must have evidence showing that the at-fault party caused the construction accident by breaching the duty to exercise reasonable care.

Some of the same basic types of compensation are available when you file a construction accident civil lawsuit, such as medical costs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. However, the biggest impact is that you can seek damages for:

• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Scarring and disfigurement; and,
• Many other losses affect your quality of life.

Causes of Construction Accidents

It can be difficult to anticipate when an accident will happen and how serious that accident will be. They can occur at any time and will vary in severity, injuries caused, and in the amount of time required to fully recover. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration reports that in 2019, 20% of worker deaths in the private industry were construction-related. They also state the top violated (construction) standards in the 2021 fiscal year were:

• Fall Protection;
• Ladders;
• Scaffolding;
• Eye and Face Protection, and
• Fall Protection Training.

Common Injuries Sustained in Atlanta Construction Accidents

Understanding how serious construction accidents are and can be sheds light on how detrimental injuries can be on one’s life. Broken bones, sprains and strains, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, vision impairment or loss, hearing loss or impairment, burns, and heat stroke are often seen in construction accidents in and around Atlanta.

Getting started on your claim as soon as possible is crucial in your case. With Georgia’s statute of limitations, working with an attorney early on in the process can help ensure your compensation is maximized, your freedoms and rights are protected, and all parties involved are held accountable in the fullest.

Legal Help With Your Remedies

Whether you qualify for workers’ comp or have grounds to pursue a personal injury case, it is essential to have an experienced Atlanta construction accident attorney on your side. Our team at Wetherington Law Firm, P.C. provides quality legal support so that you can trust us to:

• Assess the circumstances to determine whether you qualify to file a construction accident lawsuit or workers’ comp claim;
• Gather evidence to prove negligence or to enforce your rights as an injured employee;
• Complete all forms for a workers’ comp claim; and/or,
• Pursue the at-fault third party for damages through your civil remedies.

Regardless of the type of claim, we are also ready to take the next steps to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Discuss Your Legal Options with an Atlanta Construction Accident Lawyer

It is encouraging to know that you have multiple remedies after being injured at work, but you can see how construction accident claims can be complex. Instead of putting your rights at risk, trust Wetherington Law Firm, to advocate on your behalf with workers’ comp and personal injury matters. Set up a no-cost consultation with a Georgia construction accident attorney at no cost today.