Athens Construction Workers’ Accident Lawyers Advocating for Injured Workers Throughout the State of 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.

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.

You need experienced Athens, GA workers’ compensation lawyers who specialize 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 & Holder 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 & Holder 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.