Atlanta Construction Accident Lawyer

Wherever you go in the Atlanta area, you are bound to see construction sites. Cranes, heavy equipment, scaffolding, and other inherent dangers are common on construction sites. When negligent behavior occurs on a construction site, this can often lead to catastrophic injuries for those involved. Both workers and bystanders can be seriously injured in construction site accidents, resulting in disabilities, dismemberment, and even death.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a construction accident, you need to know your legal rights. You can discuss your case with our legal team during a free case consultation, and we can explain your options for recovery. With over 30 years of experience, the personal injury lawyer with the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown can advise you on a workers’ compensation claim or third-party injury lawsuit. Call us today to get started working with an Atlanta construction accident lawyer.

Construction Sites Must Adhere to OSHA Safety Standards

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 209 people died at work in Georgia in 2022. The most common cause of death, 88 fatalities, was transportation-related accidents. Acts of violence and other instances of injuries caused by people or animals were second, with 38 fatalities. Slips and falls cost 30 people their lives, and 28 people died when stuck or caught by objects and equipment.

The majority of construction accident injuries impact the workers on a construction site, but there are strict safety standards that are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other government entities to reduce hazards on job sites. However, when construction companies take shortcuts to increase profits, they jeopardize their employees’ safety.

Types of Construction Site Accidents We’ve Seen In Atlanta

Construction sites are dangerous by nature. Heavy equipment is used, obstacles litter the job site, and materials are constantly being moved. Safety measures can reduce the risk of injury. When deadlines and budget become more important than safety, shortcuts can lead to serious accidents. Some common construction accidents that are responsible for catastrophic injuries and death include:

• Falls from heights, such as a scaffolding collapse
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Struck by an object, such as falling material
• Electrocutions resulting in shocks, burns, and death
• Caught-in/between, like heavy equipment crushing accidents
• Machinery and equipment accidents, such as crane accidents
• Lack of safety measures and equipment
• Overexertion and repetitive stress injuries
• Fires and explosions
• Toxic substance exposure

While workers are the most likely to be injured by an unsafe construction site, bystanders can also be in danger. If you have suffered injuries in a construction site accident, contact the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown. Our team can review your case during a free case evaluation. Our Atlanta construction site accident attorney can let you know your options and help you collect compensation for your losses.

We Can Help You File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

As stated by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, any business with three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance for them. Workers’ compensation is an insurance policy that your employer contributes to that covers you in the event you are injured on the job. The insurance typically covers two-thirds of your gross income and all of your medical care. Medical care coverage includes travel expenses, such as an ambulance from the job site to the hospital. You may even qualify for vocational rehabilitation.

Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

As long as the injury occurred while you were working on the job, you are qualified to receive workers’ compensation. It should be noted, though, that workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering or other non-economic losses. It also means that you may not sue your employer, but there are exceptions. The Atlanta construction accident attorneys with the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown can review your case and explain if there are any exceptions to it.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Benefits typically start after seven days of being unable to work, and they could last up to 400 weeks. However, the severity of your injuries could extend benefits throughout your life. If you recover from your injuries and can return to work, the benefits will end. If your injuries keep you from working at the same level as you once did, your benefits will be reduced based on your income. For families who have lost a loved one, death benefits will be available to the surviving families.

What You Should Do After an Accident on the Job

Depending upon the type and severity of your injuries, you may need to go to the emergency room, but as soon as possible, report the accident to your boss. For your healthcare, you will have to see a doctor approved by your workers’ compensation insurance. Your employer can provide you with options.

Completing the WC-14 and Filing It With the State Board

Since you will be dealing with your recovery, our Atlanta construction accident law firm can step in and help complete your WC-14 and file it with the state. We can:

• Investigate the accident, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, and interview witnesses
• Gather your medical records, speak with your doctors about your diagnosis and the treatments you are facing
• Consult experts on your injuries and future prognosis, which often prove pivotal to the success of your claim
• Identify the parties responsible for your injuries, whether it was another worker or a defective product or material
• Determine a fair settlement value for your injuries
• Negotiate with the liable parties and their insurance companies
• Speak on your behalf to the board if there are any questions on the value of benefits.

Our goal is to help you recover with as little stress as possible.

We Can Also Help You File a Third-Party Lawsuit

There are certain instances where we would recommend accident victims file a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you can show that your employer was negligent and caused your injuries, or if you weren’t an employee at the job site and suffered an injury from something related to it, you might be better served with a third-party lawsuit.

In a third-party claim, we would provide the same services of investigating and building a claim. If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance companies, we will take your case to court.