A construction accident in Georgia can have serious, if not fatal, consequences. The same is true with the rest of the country - in fact, the construction sector was the highest nationwide for fatal injuries in 2007 alone, with 1,178 fatalities. To gain a better idea of what types of construction accidents in Georgia are most common, national statistics may shed some light.
The following are some common types of construction accidents, and the 2007 fatality rates for each, according to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Falls - 442.
- Contact with objects or equipment - 206.
- Exposure to harmful substances or chemicals - 179.
- Fires and explosions - 23.
In most cases of a fatality in a construction accident in Georgia, the victim's survivors may be eligible to seek benefits through the employer's Workers' Compensation insurance. In addition, where cases of third-party liability come into play, a wrongful death claim may apply against someone who is not the victim's employer.
In many cases, a third-party liability claim may prove that Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards were violated to establish negligence. You'll have to consult with an Atlanta Workers' Compensation attorney with experience in fatal construction accidents to determine if negligence as a result of OSHA violations is automatic in your specific claim.
After a construction accident in Georgia, you may be faced with extensive medical bills and lost time from work, not to mention tremendous pain that may keep you from performing your duties. By speaking with an Atlanta Workers' Compensation attorney, you can gain a better insight into your various legal options to cope with a workplace injury.