If you were involved in a construction accident, you may face serious injuries that threaten your ability to ever work again. A Columbus construction accident lawyer can help.
John Foy & Associates is well-known as one of the top construction accident law firms in the state. We know how to handle the most complicated claims, and we never charge you a fee unless we recover money for you. Call us and get your free consultation today.
Does It Matter How My Construction Accident Happened?
OSHA has a list of its “fatal four,” the types of construction accidents that are most likely to lead to a worker’s death. They are:
- Falls, including falls through the floor openings, off of ladders, and scaffolding
- Being struck by an object
- Being caught in or between something, including becoming caught in equipment or crushed when a structure or something else collapses
- Electrocution, including electrocution from power lines, underground utility lines, or power tools
But construction accidents can happen in other ways too, and the construction workers are not the only people who get injured around a construction site. For example, passersby can get injured by falling debris or hazards along the ground. In addition, people who live in the area may be affected by toxic chemicals.
In short, it doesn’t matter how a construction accident happened. As long as you were a victim to one, you can file a claim to receive financial compensation. Don’t just assume you have no case. Always get help from legal counsel first before making any decision.
Are Construction Accidents Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
If you are a construction worker and got injured on the job, or a loved one lost their life while working construction, you can recover money in a workers’ compensation claim. The workers’ compensation system requires employers to buy insurance to cover medical expenses and provide paychecks when the worker is unable to work because of an accident.
Unlike a claim in the local courts, a workers’ compensation claim doesn’t require you to prove how the accident happened or who caused it. All you need is an injury that occurred while you were on the job. It doesn’t even have to be related to your usual work duties.
What Happens if You’re Not a Construction Worker?
It’s sadly not uncommon for non-workers to be injured while passing near a construction site or visiting on-site. Under Georgia state law, all property owners must keep their property safe for people who use it or visit. Construction companies also have a duty to safeguard the general public.
This means that most construction sites should have safety protections, such as fencing or warning signs. When safety precautions are inadequate and you are injured, the property owner, contractor, or others can be held liable. As a member of the public, you can recover 100% of the cost of the accident.
Columbus Construction Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
What Parties Can You Hold Responsible for Your Damages?
Construction sites in Columbus are busy places, and a lot of people and businesses play a part in making things happen. There are general contractors and subcontractors. Equipment may be leased from or maintained by a third party. There are engineers, safety consultants, and the person who owns the property. Depending on the situation, any of these parties might have a hand in causing your accident.
Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6, if a third party who is not your employer caused your accident, you can bring what is known as a “third-party liability claim.” As long as you can show negligence and have strong evidence, you can receive compensation from their insurance company.
Unlike workers’ compensation, which is limited to your costs, a third-party liability claim can include a claim for “pain and suffering,” mental distress, and other types of severe, non-financial ways the accident has impacted your life.
Damages You Can Be Compensated for Through Your Claim
For workers’ compensation claims, you can recover compensation for the following damages:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Reduced earning capability
- Wrongful death
If you file a claim against a third party, you can receive compensation for the above damages and more:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
The amount you can receive in your settlement will depend on the types of damages you sustained and whether you’re going to file a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party claim. Either way, our Columbus construction accident attorneys will help you.
We want to see you get the maximum amount of compensation available for your claim. Therefore, we will help you calculate and account for all of your damages. Rest assured that we won’t leave anything out of your final settlement total.
For a free legal consultation with a construction accidents lawyer serving Columbus, call 404-400-4000
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Construction Accident Claim?
Because of the number of parties potentially involved and the severity of the injuries, we recommend that you always work with a construction accident lawyer in Columbus if you got injured in a construction accident. There are a couple of reasons for this.
First, even if you just have a “simple” workers’ compensation claim, workers’ compensation insurance companies are not as willing to pay as you might expect. They will try just about anything to lower the amount they have to pay you, including blaming you, accusing you of exaggerating your injuries. Without a Columbus construction accident lawyer fighting for you, you can easily end up with far less.
Second, third-party liability claims are very complicated. At our law firm, we approach them by launching an investigation to find out how your accident happened and who all the parties are who might potentially be responsible. Then, we put everything together, creating the strongest case possible.
The Insurance Companies Aren’t On Your Side
As mentioned previously, insurance companies aren’t on your side. Insurance companies are businesses, not humanitarian organizations. Their main goal is to give you a low settlement in the hopes that you accept. This saves them lots of money and helps them protect their bottom line.
An insurance adjuster may try to contact you right after your construction accident. Try not to speak to them about anything until you get proper legal representation first. Remember, anything you say or do can get used against you. Don’t verbally agree or sign anything before you understand your rights and your legal options.
You Have a Limited Time to File Your Claim
Workers’ compensation claims have a general statute of limitations of one year from the date of your accident. Third-party claims have two years. Even though it may seem like you have a lot of time, don’t wait too long. Waiting too long to file your claim can only negatively affect your chances of getting a fair settlement for your construction accident. The more time passes, the more the insurance company can use against you during negotiations.
Talk to a Columbus Construction Accident Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, our track record over the past two decades shows why you can trust us with your construction accident claim. Let us put our “Strong Arm” approach to work for you. Our client testimonials and results show that we work hard to win settlements for our clients. Call us or fill out the form to your right and get your free consultation today.
Call or text 404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form