Georgia Construction Worksite Accident Attorney

Construction work is one of this nation’s most dangerous occupations. Each year, tens of thousands of workers are seriously injured in construction accidents, and tens of thousands more lose their lives. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) reports that roughly 20% of all workplace fatalities take place in the construction industry.

If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a construction worksite accident, you can’t trust your employer to do the right thing. Many of these accidents result from lax safety and negligence. When safety is ignored, employers and construction companies can be held financially accountable.

At DuBose Miller, our personal injury and worksite accident attorneys investigate the cause of these accidents to determine what happened. We truly care about the physical, emotional, and financial hardships you are facing and want to be your strongest advocate. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Construction Accidents We Handle

Construction work is tough. It requires workers to operate heavy machinery, handle dangerous equipment, perform in risky environments, and work at tremendous heights. Even when workers exercise safety precautions, accidents still happen.

Construction workers can face a variety of hazards because they work with different tools and building materials and use a wide range of machinery. The most common types of construction worksite accidents our firm sees include:

1. Falls

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Falls are the cause of over 39% of construction worker fatalities. A construction worker can be injured or lose their life by falling from scaffolding, a ladder, or a piece of machinery. They can fall into ditches or holes on a job site or slip and trip over objects on the site, and fall on the same level.

2. Falling Objects

Construction workers also face a serious risk of being injured by falling objects. Construction materials or tools that aren’t properly secured can come crashing down on workers below. Other items that can fall on workers include scaffolding and heavy equipment like cranes.

3. Scaffolding Collapse

Construction workers often use scaffolding to easily reach elevated areas of a construction project. There are dangers involved with erecting and disassembling scaffolding as well as working on it. If a scaffolding collapses with people on or near it, injury or death is a likely outcome.

4. Building or Trench Collapse

A worker could be seriously injured or killed if a building or trench collapses. Either could cause the worker to suffocate after being buried alive or suffer severe crushing injuries from heavy objects like dirt or concrete.

5. Electric Shocks

Construction crews work with power tools, machinery, generators, and wiring, all of which can put them at risk of injury from shocks, electrocution, and electrical burns.

6. Explosions and Fires

Construction sites often contain flammable chemicals, leaking pipes, and exposed wiring that could lead to fires and explosions.

7. Equipment and Machinery Accidents

When a defective piece of equipment malfunctions, it can cause serious injury or death. Workers are also at risk of being run over or struck by vehicles and heavy equipment on a job site.

8. Repetitive Motion

Construction workers may be asked to perform the same tasks over and over, causing soft tissues and muscles to be damaged and worn. A common repetitive motion injury is carpal tunnel syndrome.

9. Heat & Chemical Exposure

The conditions on a construction worksite can be harsh. Workers can get dehydrated and suffer from heatstroke. They can also be exposed to dangerous chemicals which can damage the lungs if inhaled or burn the skin on contact.

Who Is Responsible for a Construction Worksite Accident?

After a construction accident, workers may wonder where to turn for financial assistance with their medical bills and other damages they suffer. Injured construction workers typically can pursue one of two types of claims after an accident.

Workers’ Compensation

In most cases, a construction worker who suffers an on-the-job injury will be unable to sue their employer. But they will be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault in the accident. This means you don’t have to prove that your employer was negligent and can even collect benefits if you made a mistake. Workers’ compensation covers benefits such as medical care and the partial replacement of lost wages.

Personal Injury

In some cases, a party other than your employer was responsible for the construction site accident. When this happens, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue damages from that party. This makes additional damages available such as pain and suffering. With this type of third-party case, you will have to prove liability.

How a Lawyer Can Help Your Construction Accident Claim

Getting the help you need after a construction accident may not be as simple as reporting the claim and trusting that insurance companies will do the right thing. These are profit-driven companies that aren’t in the business of paying maximum benefits.

Large construction firms and their insurers have teams of attorneys who will fight claims or justify delays or reduced benefits. When your benefits are in jeopardy, you need an experienced attorney in your corner that will defend your interests.

If your accident was caused by a third party, you have the option of pursuing a lawsuit, but you have to prove your case. You can expect pushback from insurance companies with these types of cases as well. Our skilled construction accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident and develop a strategy to help you get maximum benefits.

Contact Our Atlanta Construction Worksite Accident Attorneys

If you or someone you love has been injured in a construction worksite accident, you deserve strong legal representation. At DuBose Miller, we will identify who was responsible for your injuries, help you access the resources and benefits you need, and fight for full and fair compensation so that you receive justice. We take these cases on contingency, meaning you don’t pay us anything upfront. Call our Atlanta office today at 855-44MILLER or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.