Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. The injuries can be very serious, whether the worker has fallen from a scaffolding or simply slipped or tripped on something left on a floor.
Injuries suffered from falls are typically covered by Georgia workers’ compensation as long as the accident occurred because of your work or the conditions of your employment. Regardless of who was at fault, you may be entitled to medical care and income benefits from workers’ compensation.
Falls In the workplace
Fall injuries can be the result of many kinds of accidents:
- Falls from roofs and other heights
- Ladder accidents
- Falls from scaffolding, lifts or platforms
- Falls in stairways
- Slip and fall accidents
- Trip and fall accidents
Steps that can be important from a workers’ compensation perspective following a workplace fall injury include:
- Reporting the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Seeking treatment from an approved doctor.
- Following through on your treatment program. Skipping doctor appointments or therapy sessions can lead to a loss of benefits.
Employers and insurance companies may look for ways to avoid paying benefits–for example by claiming the accident never happened or that your injuries are not serious. To protect your rights, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.
What if the accident was someone else’s fault?
If the accident was caused by someone other than your employer, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.