Construction workers in Georgia face the dangers of potential fall accidents on a daily basis. All workers have the right to a safe workplace, and it is the responsibility of the employer to provide an environment that is not conducive to workplace injuries. OSHA provides extensive safety regulations, and employers who do not comply to them can end up facing severe penalties.
In a recent lawsuit filed in another state, a construction worker and his wife are seeking monetary damages after a workplace injury that brought about significant lifestyle changes. As indicated by the suit, the worker was in the process of delivering concrete to the construction site when a metal grate collapsed. The worker allegedly fell from a height of 14 feet and the metal grating landed on top of him, fracturing his spine.
Following the accident, the construction worker had to go through extensive surgery and needed a significant amount of medical care. In addition to suffering emotional anguish, his injuries caused permanent work disability. The worker is now facing ongoing medical care costs and the loss of current and future wages.
The workers’ compensation laws in every state may differ; however, they all have the same objective – to compensate victims of workplace injuries. Georgia workers who suffered injuries while at the workplace have the right to claim benefits from the workers’ compensation insurance fund. The fund typically covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. In situations where injuries prove to have permanent consequences, long-term benefits may be awarded. If victims find the steps involved in filing their claims to be intimidating or confusing, they may wish to make use of advisors to guide them through the process.
Source: The West Virginia Record, “Laborer blames contractor after equipment collapse“, Matt Russell, May 23, 2014