Earlier this month, a New Jersey man was killed when he was struck by a piece of construction equipment while on a New York job-site. According to one local news report covering the tragic accident, at around 4:20 in the afternoon a load fell off a crane at the construction site and struck the worker. Immediately after the accident, the worker was alert, but shortly after that he started experiencing pain and having difficulty breathing. Within the hour, he was dead.
The construction company that employed the worker has told reporters that it will fully cooperate with any government investigation into what caused the fatal construction accident. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation. The representative from OSHA told reporters that the investigation may take as long as six months to complete.
Georgia Construction Accidents
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous in Georgia. Whether it be the heavy equipment, the towering heights, or the long hours resulting in worker fatigue, construction workers face many risks every day. According to the most recent numbers, Georgians suffer approximately 4,500 workplace accidents each year. Of these, a significant portion occur in the construction industry.
Workers’ Compensation Claims in Georgia
When a construction worker is injured in a workplace accident, Georgia law allows for the injured worker to file a workers’ compensation claim to seek benefits while the worker recovers from his injuries. Due to the construction of the workers’ compensation statute, an injured worker or their family does not need to prove that someone else was at fault for their accident. Even if the worker contributed to his own injury, benefits may be available.
Not all workers’ compensation claims are approved, however. One of the most common reasons that a claim gets denied is that it is not filed in a timely manner. Another common reason for denial is because an employer disputes the claim, arguing that the injury did not occur while on the job or that the accident did not result in the alleged injuries. In these situations, a dedicated Georgia workers’ compensation attorney can assist you in the preparation of your claim. However, it is better to enlist the help of an attorney sooner rather than later.
Have You Been Injured in a Georgia Workplace Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Georgia workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits while you recover from your injuries. The skilled and dedicated workers’ compensation team at J. Franklin Burns, P.C. has decades of collective experience handling workers’ compensation matters. We know what it takes to submit a successful application on behalf of our clients. Due to our in-depth style of representation, we are also prepared to handle any appeals that may be required. Call 404-920-4708 to schedule your free consultation today.
