Industrial Accidents Lawyers GA

Representing Workers Injured on the Job

The state of Georgia has a diverse and thriving manufacturing industry. The most prominent industry in the Peach State is food manufacturing, followed by other key industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and electrical manufacturing, which contribute significantly to the state’s economy and workforce. Unfortunately, Georgia industrial workers are also highly likely to suffer serious or even fatal work injuries. So, what are your rights after an industrial accident at work in Georgia? The attorneys at The Scott Pryor Law Group provide an overview of worker’s compensation rules for industrial workers and explain what you should do if you are injured.

What Are the Most Common Industrial Accidents in Georgia?

Industrial accidents in Georgia can take many forms, from slip-and-fall incidents and back injuries due to lifting heavy objects to serious machine-related accidents, explosions, chemical exposures, and accidents involving vehicles or heavy equipment.

One of the most common types of industrial accidents in Georgia is falls. These accidents often occur when workers are not provided with adequate fall protection equipment, including harnesses or guard rails. Improper ladder use, lack of training, and slippery surfaces can also lead to falls, which could result in a variety of injuries, such as bone fractures, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

Machine-related accidents are also common. Workers can be injured by malfunctioning equipment, unguarded machinery, or improper operation. These accidents can result in amputations, crush injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. In addition, explosions and fires can also occur in industrial settings, leading to severe injuries, such as burns and disfigurement, and even fatalities.

Another possible type of industrial accident in Georgia is exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Getting exposed to certain chemicals can cause immediate injuries, such as chemical burns, while other types of chemical substances can cause occupational diseases after repeated and prolonged exposure, leading to serious conditions such as cancer. Accidents involving vehicles or heavy equipment can also cause serious or fatal injuries due to driver negligence, improper maintenance, or inadequate safety protocols.

Are Industrial Accidents Covered by Worker’s Compensation in Georgia?

In the state of Georgia, industrial workers who are injured on the job or who become ill due to an occupational disease may be entitled to benefits under the workers’ compensation system. This system provides injured workers and their families some financial assistance to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to their injuries or illnesses.

Workers who are eligible for worker’s comp coverage may receive medical treatment for their work-related injury or illness, no matter who is to blame for the accident. Medical expenses that are typically covered include doctor’s visits, hospital bills, medications, and any necessary rehabilitation services. In addition, workers who are injured or ill due to a work-related industrial accident may be entitled to receive a portion of their regular weekly wages while they are recovering and unable to perform their usual job duties.

What Should I Do if My Loved One Has Died in an Industrial Accident at Work?

If you lost a loved one in an industrial accident, you may have a couple of options to recover compensation. You may be going through a lot of emotional pain and grieving, and while nothing can change what happened, you may be able to recover some compensation to relieve the financial burden associated with your loss.

If your loved one was covered by worker’s compensation, you may be able to submit a claim to receive death benefits. Death benefits provide financial support to the surviving family members of a deceased worker who sustained a fatal work-related injury or illness. You may be able to receive weekly compensation for a limited period of time in the amount equal to two-thirds of your deceased loved one’s weekly wages, as well as a maximum of $7500 for funeral and burial expenses.

If the death of your family member was partially a result of the negligent actions of a third party, such as an independent contractor or vendor, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and recover additional compensation. A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of personal injury lawsuit in which the surviving family members of the decedent seek compensation for damages on behalf of their loved one. If you lost a loved one in an industrial accident, speak to an attorney to discuss your case and learn your options to ensure all responsible parties are held liable for their actions.

Can I Sue My Employer After an Industrial Accident?

Because the worker’s compensation system provides coverage for injured industrial workers without the requirement of assigning liability for the accident, it also bars workers and their families from suing an employer for negligence. With very few exceptions, worker’s comp is the only remedy for on-the-job injuries and illnesses. However, as explained above, you may be able to seek further compensation beyond your worker’s compensation benefits in cases where a third party may have contributed to your workplace accident. You may be able to recover payment for your economic losses (such as medical bills and lost wages) as well as non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

If you have been injured in an industrial accident or lost a loved one, reach out to the personal injury lawyers at The Scott Pryor Law Group. Our legal team focuses on helping injured clients receive full compensation for their injuries, and we are ready to answer your questions and assist you with every aspect of your case. Call our law firm at 404-474-7122 and request a no-commitment initial consultation to discuss your case.