Atlanta Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction is dangerous. There is no way around this fact. Construction workers are injured at more than twice the rate that many other workers in other industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Construction workers know the dangers of the job, and so do their employers. As such, employees and employers usually follow all state and federal laws when it comes to workplace safety. You took all the possible precautions at work, yet you were still injured because of another person’s negligence.
Thankfully, you have the right to sue the party who caused your injuries if that party is not your employer. The Atlanta construction workplace accident lawyer at Sawyer Injury Law can help you seek financial compensation from this party, whoever they may be.
Examples of Third-Party Construction Workplace Claims
Motor Vehicle Drivers—One of the leading causes of serious injury and death among construction workers is traffic collisions caused by passenger vehicle drivers. Georgia has the second highest rate of construction zone workplace deaths in the country, according to the CDC.
Faulty or Defective Equipment—The employee can sue the manufacturer of the tools, machinery, or equipment if it is found that that was the cause of their injury. This will require filing a defective product claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or designer of the item. Common examples of defective products or defective work equipment include dangerous scaffolding, ladders, power tools, heavy machinery, motor vehicles, and safety equipment such as construction harnesses, tethers, and helmets.
General Contractor Liability—If you were working under a subcontractor, and the subcontractor who was working for a general contractor, any negligence on behalf of the general contractor could make them liable for your damages.
Property Owner or Business Owner Liability—Property owners have a duty of care to all invitees, and this includes construction workers. If you were hired to redo the flooring of a hotel, for example, and there was a hidden hazard that led to a serious falling injury, the property owner can be held liable.
You Can Receive Workers’ Compensation in Addition to Filing a Lawsuit
As an injured employee, your employer is obligated to provide workers’ compensation in the form of medical care and wage replacement, regardless of who caused the accident. As such, even if the incident was clearly caused by drunk drivers who plowed into your work zone, your employer must still provide workers’ compensation benefits, which are crucial in paying for your immediate care. After your personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party is settled, which can take years, your employer’s insurer may attempt to claw back some or all of your lawsuit earnings. An attorney can help mitigate this clawback.
Contact an Atlanta Construction Workplace Accident Attorney Today
As the victim of a workplace accident, you are entitled to workers’ compensation in addition to damages caused by the negligent party. These damages include pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings and earning capacity, loss of joy in life, and more. Here at Sawyer Injury Law, we can help you hold the at-fault party fully accountable for your damages.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta construction accident attorney.
