If you suffered a work-related injury while working construction, talk with an experienced Georgia construction accident attorney today.
Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys can help!
If you have suffered an injury while on a construction site, then you probably landed on this page because you need your medical bills covered and you want to learn about your legal options. You might also need to take time away from work to heal and go through physical therapy, so you’ll need financial help, too. It’s possible you may be asked to switch to a job on the site that isn’t as physically demanding, or even cease all work permanently due to your injuries.
Workers in Athens, Atlanta and across the state of Georgia have 2 main options for financial compensation if they’re injured while working on a construction site: workers’ compensation benefits or third-party lawsuit claims.
Whether you are a subcontractor, independent contractor, seasonal/part-time worker or you work full-time on a construction crew, it’s vital you understand your legal rights after a work-related accident, injury or illness and whether or not you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for medical bills, lost wages, disability and other expenses. Even undocumented workers who are hurt on the job can qualify for benefits under Georgia workers’ compensation law.
Talk with an experienced Athens work injury lawyer at Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys to find out if you have a case.
337 South Milledge Ave, Ste. 209-7
Athens, GA 30605
9:00am – 5:00pm (M-F)
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Client reviews
“Natalie Elkins is someone I highly recommend. She kept me informed at all times and provided me with excellent care. I suffer from anxiety and she made me feel at ease. When I say her work is impeccable, I mean just that. Suffered a neck and shoulder injury from working in a warehouse. This was the first attorney I called to get the help I need and I am so glad I came across this place. Thank you, Natalie. I hope you see this review. The outcome of this whole ordeal changed my life. My life is much better thanks to this attorney. God Bless.”
“I would highly recommend Gerber and Elkins for workers’ compensation representation. After nearly 2.5 years of dealing with multiple surgeries, medical supplies and physical therapy, Karen Lowell and her paralegal Jesse worked both diligently and continuously staying on top of my case! If I could rate higher stars… I would!.”
“I would absolutely recommend Gerber & Elkins if you are looking for a Worker’s Comp Lawyer in Atlanta. They were amazing throughout the entire process. They were not only concerned with the outcome of the case but also my well-being throughout my recovery.”
Most common construction site injuries and illnesses
Athens-based construction workers face a wide variety of potential dangers while on the jobsite. From trips and falls to moving heavy equipment, crew members are often surrounded by hazards each day. A few of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones or bone fractures
- Repetitive motion injuries to joints or muscles
- Heat stress/stroke due to working in hot conditions
- Hypothermia/frostbite due to working in cold
- Amputation of toe/finger/limb
- Cuts and lacerations
- Injuries to eyes that can lead to loss of vision
- Impaled by sharp tools and other objects
- Ankle, knee, hip and shoulder injuries
- Hearing impairment due to loud noises
- Spinal injuries resulting in paralysis
- Head or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Respiratory illnesses due to exposure to dust or asbestos
- Death due to any of the above
Common causes of accidents on construction sites
Sometimes an accident at a construction site can be due to a momentary mistake or slip of judgement such as not concentrating on the job at-hand.
Other common causes of construction site accidents include:
- Trench cave-ins
- Collapsed scaffolding
- Electrocution
- Being crushed by heavy equipment
- Building collapses
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Falls or being struck by falling objects
- Explosions or fires
- Working without protective equipment (hardhat, safety glasses, etc.)
Georgia workers’ compensation law allows for the coverage of approved medical expenses and reimbursement of lost wages. The benefits fall into the following categories:
- Temporary total disability (TTD): temporary but total disability, unable to work
- Temporary partial disability (TPD): return to work with modified job duties, reduced hours and wages
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): permanent loss of function of a body part or bodily system; treating physician will assign a percentage of permanent impairment, which affects benefits
- Permanent total disability (PTD): totally and permanently disabled; benefits based on impairment rating system
Don’t assume you know what option is best for you as many factors contribute to the financial assistance you receive.
Find out more on Enjuris: 
Benefits available for constructions workers’ comp claims in Georgia
Construction accident statistics
Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs. In Georgia, a construction worker is killed roughly every 10 days, with 94% of victims being men. Construction is a tough, dirty, dangerous job that requires constant vigilance on the part of the worker. Following safety procedures at all times is a must.
Nationally, in 2017, out of the 4,674 worker fatalities in private industry, just under 1,000 were in construction — nearly 20%. The leading cause of death for those construction workers was falls, followed by being struck by an object, electrocution and caught between immovable objects. These “fatal four” causes of deaths were responsible for 60% of construction worker deaths in 2017. Falls alone were responsible for 381 deaths (nearly 40%). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration keeps detailed statistics on these types of safety violations, and they make for sober reading.
The good news is that with vigilant efforts and sweeping safety campaigns, worker deaths have decreased dramatically over the past 4 decades — going from an average of 38 deaths per day in 1970 to 17 per day in 2017. Workplace injuries dropped from 11 incidents in 1970 to 3 in 2017.
While these statistics show improvement, the reality is that deaths and injuries still happen daily across America.
So what is a worker to do if he or she is hurt on the job?Third-party construction work injury claims
Most injured construction workers will file a workers’ compensation claim with their employer in order to obtain benefits for an injury on the jobsite. Generally, you cannot sue your employer for a work-related injury because workers’ compensation benefits are available to you instead.
However, in certain circumstances, you can file a third-party lawsuit against a negligent party for your construction injury.
A third-party lawsuit can come into play if you’ve been injured on a job site when someone other than your employer did something that led to your injury.
For example, if a machine you were using was discovered to be defective, you may have a case against the manufacturer of that machine. Another example is if a general contractor (not your employer), property owner or subcontractor was proven negligent and responsible for causing your injury, in which case you may be able bring a third-party lawsuit against them.
Proving these types of cases isn’t easy, and it can take time to work through the court system. In the meantime, you’ll want to talk with a workers’ compensation attorney to keep the money flowing to your family while you rest and heal.
Construction accident FAQs
Here are some basic answers to common questions injured construction workers frequently ask us:
Can I get compensation for a construction injury?
Yes. If you were hurt while on the job at a construction site, then you are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim. In addition to filing a workers’ comp claim, it may be possible to pursue a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
Are independent contractors covered under workers’ comp?
No. Generally speaking, independent contractors and freelancers are not covered by workers’ compensation in Georgia. In many states (including Georgia), the law doesn’t require employers of independent contractors to purchase workers’ comp insurance coverage — though this is slowly changing on a national level.
What workers’ compensation benefits am I entitled to?
Currently, benefits for electricians, construction workers, carpenters, roofers and other trades in Georgia include medical coverage, disability, rehabilitation, survivor and burial benefits to anyone killed while on the job. Any costs associated with any of the services listed above should be covered by the injured worker’s employer.
Can I sue my employer?
Probably not. In Georgia, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you cannot sue your employer, supervisor or company.
It may, however, be possible to file a third-party lawsuit if a piece of equipment was found to be faulty and to blame for your injury. You’ll want to talk with your attorney about whether or not this type of negligence lawsuit will be productive.
Client success
Our record of winning accident cases in Georgia speaks for itself:
You need experienced Athens, GA workers’ compensation lawyers who are experienced in construction injuries
Don’t let a construction injury sideline you and leave your family struggling to make ends meet. Contact an Athens-based workers’ compensation lawyer at Gerber & Elkins Law to get help securing the benefits you and your family need. We have decades of experience in the workers’ comp field. Construction accidents happen all the time, and many injured workers are wrongly denied or lose out on compensation that is owed to them. If you or a loved one were injured, you need the best representation available.
At Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, we’ve represented injured workers in all walks of life — including restaurant servers, bulldozer drivers, and corporate secretaries. No injury is too small if it’s negatively impacting your personal life and your ability to make a living. Your first consultation with our attorneys is 100% free, and we won’t collect a penny until we’ve won your case.
