One bad moment on a jobsite can take you off the crew for weeks or months. A fall from a ladder or a truck backing up without a spotter can mean surgery and unpaid bills. Meanwhile, you’re wondering how you’re going to cover all of the costs. We can help you.
A construction accident lawyer in Tucker at John Foy & Associates can sort out which benefits and claims fit your situation. Our motto is Big wins, and no fees until we win. To start, talk with a Tucker personal injury lawyer on our team about what happened.
Why Construction Jobs Lead to Serious Injuries
Construction is one of the riskiest lines of work in the country. In 2024, falls, slips, and trips caused 389 of the 1,034 deaths in private-sector construction, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Tucker sees plenty of this work, from warehouses on Mountain Industrial Boulevard to road crews near Interstate 285.
Common causes of construction injuries include:
- Falls from scaffolds, roofs, ladders, and unguarded floor openings
- Being struck by trucks, forklifts, or falling tools and materials
- Trench and excavation collapses
- Electric shocks from exposed wiring or power lines
- Power tools and machinery that malfunction or lack guards
These accidents can cause broken bones, back and spine injuries, brain injuries, and burns. Tell your doctor exactly how you were hurt, even if you think the injury is minor. That record links your injury to the job, which matters for any claim that follows.
Can You Get Workers’ Compensation After a Construction Accident in Georgia?
You can get workers’ compensation after a construction accident in Georgia if you were an employee injured on the job, without proving anyone was at fault. Benefits cover authorized medical care and two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you can’t work.
The weekly maximum for injuries on or after July 1, 2023, is $800, according to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Income benefits start after a 7-day waiting period; that first week is paid back if you’re out for 21 days in a row.
Many construction workers are told they are independent contractors and can’t get benefits. That label doesn’t settle the question. Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-8, a general contractor can be responsible for workers’ compensation when a subcontractor below it has no coverage.
Who Else May Be Responsible for Your Injuries?
Workers’ compensation is generally your only remedy against your own employer (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-11), but it doesn’t protect everyone else on the jobsite. A common belief is that a workplace injury can only lead to a workers’ comp claim. In fact, you may also have a personal injury claim against a negligent third party, such as:
- A subcontractor whose crew created the hazard
- A manufacturer of a defective ladder, saw, or piece of fall-protection gear
- A property owner who knew about a danger and didn’t warn workers
- A driver who crashed into a work zone
- An equipment rental company that didn’t maintain its machines
A third-party claim can seek damages workers’ comp doesn’t pay, such as pain and suffering and your full lost wages. Our results at John Foy & Associates include a $1,984,992 recovery for a worker on the shoulder of I-20 who was struck by a tractor-trailer. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
If you recover money from a third party, your employer’s insurer may seek repayment of benefits it paid. Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-11.1, that lien generally applies only if you have been fully and completely compensated. We can review any lien before you agree to a settlement.
Atlanta Roots, Nationwide Reach.
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.
Choosing a Doctor After a Construction Injury in Georgia
In an emergency, get care at the nearest hospital right away. After that, you generally must pick a doctor from your employer’s posted panel of physicians. Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-201, the panel must list at least six doctors.
You can generally switch once to another doctor on the panel without asking permission. If your employer never posted a valid panel, you may be able to choose your own doctor. Ask to see the panel, take a photo of it, and keep every medical record and receipt.
Georgia Deadlines After a Jobsite Injury
Georgia generally requires you to tell your employer about a work injury within 30 days (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80). Missing that window can cost you benefits, so report it in writing if you can and keep a copy.
A workers’ compensation claim is filed on a WC-14 form with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82, you generally have one year from the injury to file. The deadline can change if your employer paid for medical treatment or income benefits.
A personal injury lawsuit against a third party generally must be filed within two years of the injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). These deadlines run separately, so meeting one doesn’t protect the other. A Tucker construction accident attorney can track both while you recover.
Reporting Unsafe Conditions to OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lets workers file safety complaints online, by phone at 1-800-321-6742, or through a local office. Tucker falls under OSHA’s Atlanta East Area Office on Henderson Mill Road. You can ask OSHA to keep your name confidential.
Your employer can’t legally punish you for reporting a safety problem. If it does, you may file a retaliation complaint, but the deadline can be as short as 30 days.
John Foy & Associates can request OSHA inspection records about your jobsite and use them alongside site logs and witness statements. If a company on the site had earlier citations for the same hazard, that history may support a third-party claim.
Why Injured Workers Turn to John Foy & Associates
John Foy & Associates handles workers’ comp and injury claims under one roof. One team can look at both sides of your case. We can request site logs, safety records, and contracts to find out who controlled the area where you were hurt.
Our results include a $2,850,000 verdict in a wrongful death case after unsecured building materials fell at a worksite. Since 1999, we have recovered more than $1 billion for injured clients. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Clients have given us a 5-star rating across more than 4,000 Google reviews. We work on contingency, and a standard contingency fee falls between 33.3% and 40%. Your fee will be agreed upon before you begin working with your attorney.
Talk to a Tucker Construction Accident Lawyer Before You Sign Anything
Insurers may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement while you heal. Before you agree to anything, a construction accident lawyer in Tucker at John Foy & Associates can explain your options.
Call John Foy & Associates now to get a clear plan for your construction injury claim. The sooner we start, the sooner we can lock down jobsite evidence before it disappears.
100% Confidential 
