A construction accident in Smyrna can change your entire life. Worker injuries and deaths are far too common. If a construction accident injured you or a loved one, talk to a Smyrna construction accident lawyer today.
You might have severe injuries that prevent you from working. Medical bills from construction accidents can be tens of thousands of dollars. As you prepare for the road ahead, it’s essential to know your legal options.
The lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help. Over the past 25-plus years, we’ve helped many people get financial compensation. To learn more and get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How Construction Accidents Happen in Smyrna
According to common stats from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction workers made up 21.1% of all private industry worker deaths in 2018. Out of 4,779 worker deaths that year, 1,008 were in construction.
Here are the “Fatal Four” leading reasons for construction worker deaths:
- Falls
- Being struck by an object
- Electrocution
- Caught in equipment or between objects
These are just the most common examples. Construction accident injuries can happen in many different ways. Unsafe equipment, chemical hazards, lack of protection for workers, and more can contribute to injuries.
According to OSHA, these four causes made up over half of construction worker deaths. If the Fatal Four did not happen, there would be 591 fewer deaths each year.
Construction zones can be incredibly dangerous. Workers and their supervisors must be careful to take safety measures. But when workers become injured or die, they or their families shouldn’t have to bear the costs.
Why Construction Accident Injuries Happen
Construction work is more hazardous than most job requirements. Construction companies often have pressure to finish projects quickly. Workers might feel pushed to cut corners or take dangerous risks.
Unfortunately, many workers do not feel comfortable standing up for their rights. They might fear they’ll lose their job. Our lawyers dedicate our time to helping injured workers get what they need and deserve.
After an injury on the job, you have rights. You should be able to seek recovery for on-the-job accidents. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you do that.
Workers’ Compensation Claims for Construction Accidents
After an injury on a construction site, you might have workers’ compensation benefits. Under workers’ compensation, employers must purchase an insurance policy. If a worker becomes injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance should pay for:
- Medical costs to treat the injuries.
- A paycheck to cover missed work time.
- Disability benefits.
- Death benefits for survivors if a worker dies.
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Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
How to Know If You’re Covered Under Workers’ Compensation
Employers with three or more workers must carry workers’ compensation. However, this law can become complicated with construction work.
Contractors often hire subcontractors to complete tasks. Subcontractors can also employ workers to help with the project. This hierarchy can increase the efficiency of projects.
Under Georgia Code Section 34-9-8, a principal, intermediate, or subcontractor is liable for anyone injured while under their employ. However, injured workers cannot receive workers’ compensation benefits if they are not an actual employee. For example, those who work as independent contractors would not have workers’ compensation.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you’re not sure if you have workers’ compensation, talk to a lawyer immediately. You will need to know your recovery options. Unlike personal injury claims, workers’ comp claims do not require you to prove fault.
If you have workers’ compensation benefits, the insurance should cover any job injury or death. A Smyrna construction accident lawyer can examine your situation. Once you know your options, you’ll know how to proceed.
Personal Injury Claims for Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can sometimes involve non-workers. Someone could suffer injuries while passing by or through a worksite. Construction happening near roads can injury a driver if an accident occurs.
Construction companies must protect the general public from workplace hazards. For example, most sites will have warning signs or fenced-in areas. Property owners should also ensure their property is safe for visitors.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries at a construction site, contact a lawyer. The construction company or property owner could be liable for your injuries. If you were not at fault, you might be able to recover:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Determining Who Is Responsible for a Construction Accident
If your construction accident injuries happened during work, you might have a workers’ compensation claim. You will not need to prove fault to receive workers’ compensation.
If you suffered construction site injuries as a non-worker, you might have a personal injury claim. Contact a lawyer today to know your options. You will need to get started on building your case.
A personal injury claim requires you to prove negligence. You will need to identify who caused your accident. Your lawyer will look at how your injuries happened to determine who is liable.
How a Smyrna Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Construction accidents are usually severe. They often result in debilitating injuries or death. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in this way, talk to a Smyrna construction accident immediately.
Here are some ways a lawyer makes all the difference.
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Workers’ compensation claims should be straightforward. However, the insurance company providing your benefits is still for-profit. That means they’ll look for ways to save costs.
The insurance company might try to:
- Say that your injuries didn’t happen on the worksite.
- Downplay the severity of your injuries.
- Offer you an upfront payment that won’t cover all of your damages.
- Try to convince you that you don’t need a lawyer.
Without help from a lawyer, it’s challenging to know what you deserve. A lawyer will estimate all of your damages. If the insurance company offers you less, your lawyer will know how to negotiate.
Construction Accident Lawyers Are Experienced
Lawyers who routinely work on construction accident cases are invaluable. Your lawyer will know how to handle these complicated claims. They can handle the legal side of things while you focus on healing.
There Is No Risk to Hire Us
At John Foy & Associates, we do not charge you a fee unless we win your case. You don’t have to stress about lawyer fees or upfront costs, and there is no risk to get started with us. We are here to help.
Talk to a Smyrna Construction Accident Lawyer for Free Today
We have a 25-plus year track record of helping injured workers. If a construction accident injured you or a loved one, reach out today.
We’ll get you started with a FREE consultation. We can answer your questions and discuss your rights. Contact us at (404) 400-4000 or through one of our online contact forms for your FREE consultation.
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