Construction workers in Sandy Springs face some of the most dangerous job conditions every day. Construction managers should be there to protect workers from the dangers, but accidents still happen. If you are injured at a construction site, you have rights – and a Sandy Springs personal injury lawyer can let you know your legal options.
Construction accident cases can become complicated quickly. They may involve several cases, and getting the full compensation you deserve might feel like a battle. That’s where John Foy & Associates can help you and your family. We have more than 20 years of experience helping injury victims all over Georgia win the financial recovery they deserve, and we are not afraid to fight for your rights.
What to Do After a Construction Accident in Sandy Springs
After you’ve been in a construction accident, the first thing to do is make sure that you’re alright. If you need immediate medical attention, get it as soon as you can. When you know that you’re okay, then there are some steps that you can take to make sure you get the compensation you need. Those include:
- Notifying your employer as soon as possible
- Taking pictures of the scene of the accident
- Asking any witnesses what they saw and getting their contact information
- Documenting your injuries – don’t downplay the effects of your accident
- Following up with your approved doctor
- Saving any medical documents or bill receipts
- Contact a construction accident attorney in Sandy Springs
Anything you can do to make the damages from your accident apparent will help you get compensation for your injuries. It’s important that you are honest about what injuries you suffered from your accident. If you make them seem less serious than they actually are, you could miss out on the compensation you need for treatment.
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Who Is Liable in My Construction Accident Case?
The liability in your construction accident case depends on what happened and how you file your claim. If you file a workers’ compensation claim, then nobody is held liable and the compensation is provided through your employer’s insurance.
However, if a third party was responsible for your construction accident, you may be able to file a third-party injury claim against them to seek compensation for your damages. There are many parties other than your employer who play a part in keeping construction workers safe, such as:
- Safety consultants
- Machinery maintenance companies
- Equipment or parts manufacturers
- Contractors
- Engineers and
- Property owners
At the same time, if the injuries happened while you were on the job, you may also be able to file a claim with your employer. If you’re not sure who was at fault or who is liable for your accident, then a Sandy Springs construction accident lawyer can help. You can get a free consultation to discuss your situation with an attorney and learn what can be done to help you get compensation for your injuries.
Personal Injury Claims vs. Workers’ Compensation Claims After Construction Accidents
There are two main types of claims that you may be able to file after a construction accident in Sandy Springs: personal injury claims and workers’ compensation claims. The type of case to pursue will depend on the details of how and where your accident happened.
Construction Accident Workers’ Compensation Claims
If your construction accident happened while you were on the job, you will likely need to file a workers’ compensation claim to seek benefits and a settlement. The benefits you can receive through workers’ compensation in Georgia include:
- Coverage of medical costs
- Income benefits if you cannot work for more than seven days and
- Rehabilitation benefits in some situations
According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), any employer in Georgia with three or more regular workers is required to carry workers’ comp insurance. So, if you were injured while working on a construction site, you should be covered under workers’ compensation.
Fault is also not even considered in a workers’ compensation claim. You will not need to prove that your employer is liable for your damages, but you may still have trouble getting the settlement you deserve from the insurance company.
Construction accidents can leave victims with lifelong injuries, permanent disabilities, and emotional trauma. It’s best to work with a construction accident lawyer who can ensure that you are being treated fairly after you file your workers’ comp claim.
Construction Accident Personal Injury Claims
In Georgia, the at-fault party in an injury accident is liable for the costs. If you were injured in a situation that is covered by workers’ compensation, you are typically exempt from being able to recover damages based on negligence. However, there are situations where you may still have a personal injury claim and possibly a workers’ comp claim as well.
Personal injury claims can be more complicated than workers’ comp claims, as there are other parties who are interested in reducing your compensation or stopping it altogether. You’ll benefit from having a team of Sandy Springs personal injury lawyers who know how to handle your case. We will collect evidence of the other party’s negligence to prove that you’re owed compensation for your damages.
Construction Accident Wrongful Death Claims
If you lost a loved one in a construction accident, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim for damages like medical costs, pain and suffering, and funeral and burial costs. If you were a dependent of the deceased worker, you can receive income benefits through a workers’ compensation policy.
If the accident was caused by a third party, then you would be able to file a wrongful death claim, which works similarly to a personal injury claim.
If you can’t tell how to get compensation for your accident or what type of case you have, we can set up a free initial consultation with you. A construction accident lawyer in Sandy Springs can help you know your legal options and how to get started.
What to Know About Filing a Claim After a Construction Accident in Sandy Springs
Whether you are filing a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim after a construction accident, there’s a high chance that the first settlement you’re offered will not cover your full costs. Even in a workers’ compensation claim where you are guaranteed benefits, the insurance company will look for ways to reduce what they need to pay.
Construction accident lawyers know how serious construction accidents can be, and they understand the toll it can take on you physically, emotionally, and financially. An experienced lawyer will not be afraid to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the full compensation you need.
Be sure to work with an attorney who has experience working on construction accident cases and possesses a thorough knowledge of both federal and state labor laws.
Construction Accidents Are Often Very Serious
Unlike other types of jobs, construction jobs routinely put workers on the frontline of dangerous conditions. Although it’s a construction worker’s right to have safety standards in place, many workers are afraid to file a claim or complain if they suffer an injury.
The most common reasons for construction accidents are falls from places like roofs or other structures, especially in fatal accidents on the job. Other than that, injuries and fatal accidents can happen while traveling for work reasons, getting stuck or hit by equipment or other objects, electrocution, and exposure to dangerous environments or hazardous substances such as asbestos.
No matter how you were hurt, you have rights. Talk to a lawyer who can look at your situation and go over your options.
Time Limits in a Sandy Springs Construction Accident Case
Keep in mind that your time to file a claim is limited. In a workers’ compensation claim, you’ll need to report the accident to your supervisor within 30 days of it happening, but the sooner the better.
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident. That time goes quickly, so it’s best to get started right away.
Evidence tends to fade, as does memory, so you should get started with a lawyer as soon as you can. The longer you wait to file your claim, no matter if it’s a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim, the harder it will be to secure your compensation. Our construction accident lawyers in Sandy Springs are standing by to take your case as soon as possible.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Construction Accident Attorney for Free Today
Don’t be afraid to seek compensation for you and your family after a construction accident. Sandy Springs construction accident lawyers John Foy & Associates are here to help, risk- and obligation-free. There are no upfront costs to work with us, and we don’t charge you a fee unless we win you money. Plus, the consultation is always free.
We don’t want lost work or a denied claim to make the recovery process any harder than it has to be. To schedule your free consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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