Atlanta construction sites present serious risks to workers. If you suffered a serious injury at one of those sites, don’t dismiss it as “a part of the job.” Instead, you should consult an experienced construction accident attorney and learn about your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, physical limitations, emotional distress, and more.
Our legal team at Bayuk Pratt offers over 50 years of combined legal experience. We are battle-tested personal injury lawyers with insider knowledge of how the insurance industry works. We’ve recovered more than $300 million for deserving clients. We’ll be ready to fight for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you pursue just compensation after a construction site accident.
How Can an Atlanta Construction Accident Attorney Help Me?
Construction accident claims can be complicated, and the stakes are often high. You need a skilled attorney to advocate for you and build the strongest case possible.
Your Atlanta construction accident lawyer at Bayuk Pratt can help by:
- Reviewing your case for free
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Determining whether you have any valid third-party claims
- Filing for workers’ compensation and appealing denied claims
- Calculating for maximum compensation
- Handling insurance company communications
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Representing you in court, if necessary.
Depending on the nature of your case, you may be eligible to seek workers’ compensation benefits, a construction injury claim against a third party, or both. We can help you understand your options, provide legal guidance, and avoid critical errors that could harm your case.
What Are the Different Types of Construction Accidents?
Construction accidents can occur in different ways and carry different implications.
Common types of construction accidents we handle include:
- Falls from heights
- Electrical injuries
- Machinery accidents
- Struck-by incidents
- Trenching and excavation accidents
- Chemical exposure.
The consequences of these accidents can change your life forever. We can investigate to determine how the construction accident occurred, who may be responsible, and how we can hold them accountable.
What Are Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Atlanta?
Far too many construction accidents occur because of preventable errors or oversights. Some of the most common causes include:
- Safety violations – Employers must comply with strict Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety regulations. When they fail to do so, workers face heightened risks.
- Inexperience – Workers who lack proper training may make mistakes that lead to serious accidents. They may fail to handle machinery properly, interpret safety instructions, take necessary safety precautions, or recognize hazardous conditions.
- Negligence by another party – Contractors, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers can cause injury when they fail to address known hazards, post proper signage, adequately train employees, or provide tools or machinery that are safe and in working order. These incidents may lead to a valid construction injury claim.
What Should You Do If You Are Hurt in a Construction Accident?
Protecting your rights after a construction accident in Atlanta begins with you. Be sure to take the following steps:
- Document the scene – If you’re able to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, equipment, safety hazards, signage (or lack thereof), the surrounding area, and visible injuries.
- Report the accident – It’s essential to document the accident. Notify your supervisor promptly and request a copy of the incident report.
- Seek prompt medical attention – It’s essential to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Some injuries can take time to show symptoms, and insurers often point to delays in medical care to downplay your injuries.
- Avoid discussing liability – Your statements regarding the accident can potentially harm your case. Be cautious when speaking with co-workers and insurance companies. Do not discuss fault.
- Contact an attorney – A skilled personal injury lawyer at Bayuk Pratt can help you understand your rights after a construction accident and guide you through filing a workers’ compensation claim and/or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
How Do You Recover Compensation for a Construction Accident Injury?
Generally, Atlanta construction accident victims can pursue compensation for their injuries in two different ways:
- Workers’ compensation claim – Georgia law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits. The system provides benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, permanent disability, and vocational rehabilitation services. However, in exchange, the employer receives immunity from legal action in most cases.
- Third-party lawsuit – If a party other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may have a valid personal injury claim against them. Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Is It Possible to File a Workers’ Comp Claim and a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In many situations, you can pursue both claims. While workers’ comp benefits cover the physical and financial damage caused by the accident, they provide no compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. A third-party lawsuit can allow you to seek compensation for those losses, making the combination of the two types of claims essential for seeking a full recovery.
Who Could Be Liable in a Construction Accident Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Multiple parties may share liability for your construction accident. Some of the most common liable parties include:
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Property owners.
Our attorneys will investigate the accident to determine if a third party contributed to your injuries. If so, we can fight to hold them accountable for their negligence.
How Long Do You Have to File Your Construction Accident Claim in Georgia?
Georgia imposes strict time limits for filing workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits arising from construction accidents. Those time limits include:
- Personal injury lawsuits – You typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. In cases of chemical exposure, the two-year window may begin upon discovering the injury.
- Workers’ comp claims – You must file within one year from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury to recover workers’ comp benefits.
Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve. It’s essential to act swiftly and contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact an Atlanta Construction Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries in a construction accident, Bayuk Pratt can help. We have a reputation for high-quality, compassionate legal services, backed by a long list of heartfelt testimonials from satisfied former clients.
We offer the critical support and tenacious representation that injured construction workers need to fight for the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation and learn how we can assist you.