Workplace injuries can occur in any industry, regardless of how safe the job might appear. While workplace injuries are relatively common, many workers might not know what compensation is available to them.
Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation law can provide quick relief to an injured worker, but it also places certain restrictions on them. This is where a Savannah workplace injury lawyer can be helpful. While Workers’ Compensation benefits might cover some of your damages, you could recover more in a successful lawsuit. However, many workers are prevented from filing a lawsuit against their employer. There are exceptions, however. Fortunately, you are not prohibited from filing a lawsuit against a third party that negligently injures you.
If you suffered injuries on the job, our Savannah workplace injury lawyers can help you determine what legal options are available to you. For a free case assessment, contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries in Savannah, GA
Numerous types of injuries can occur in the workplace. Some injuries might be relatively minor, while others can life-altering and require years of treatment. The following are common types of injuries that a worker might suffer in a Savannah workplace accident:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
Unfortunately, workplace accidents that result in death are not uncommon. According to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration report, there were 4,764 worker deaths in 2020 alone. Our Savannah workplace injury lawyers can help you craft the right legal strategy to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Savannah, GA
Workplaces can often be hectic, with many people operating in close proximity. Thus, there is no shortage of ways a worker can be injured on the job. The following are some common causes of workplace injuries in Savannah:
- Slip and Fall accidents
- Unsafe premises
- Vehicle accidents
- Defective products
- Fall accidents
- Struck by falling objects
- Electrocution
- Unsanitary work conditions
- Poorly maintained equipment
This list is not exhaustive. There could be many other dangers, depending on your work. Our Savannah workplace injury lawyers can help you regardless of how your workplace accident occurred.
Filing for Workers’ Compensation After Suffering a Savannah, GA, Workplace Injury
Filing for Workers’ Compensation benefits will typically be your first route to recovering compensation after being injured in a Savannah construction accident. Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation law follows no-fault rules, meaning that you can file a claim for benefits without being required to prove fault for your injuries. You can still recover Workers’ Compensation benefits even if you were responsible for your injuries.
An Employer’s Responsibilities Under Workers’ Compensation Law
Workers’ Compensation law requires most Georgia employers with more than three employees to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance for workers injured on the job. Fortunately, you can do an employer insurance check if you are unsure if your employer provides Workers’ Compensation coverage. However, several large industries are not required to provide coverage for their employees under Georgia law:
- Federal employees
- Railroad employees
- Independent contractors
- Domestic servants
- Farmers and farm laborers
Time Limit to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
To file a Workers’ Compensation claim, you must first report the accident to your employer. This should be done immediately, if possible. However, Georgia law provides 30 days to report the accident. After reporting your injuries to your employer, you will have one year to file your claim with Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Our Savannah workplace injury lawyers can help you file your Workers’ Compensation claim and ensure you are treated fairly in the recovery process.
When You Can File a Workplace Injury Lawsuit in Savannah, GA
As mentioned before, you can file for Workers’ Compensation benefits without being required to prove fault. However, in most cases, Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation law also prevents injured workers from filing a lawsuit against their employer. However, there are exceptions when an employer could be held liable in court. You also are not prevented from filing a lawsuit against a third party that negligently injured you.
Intentional Harm by an Employer
Workers’ Compensation law offers no protection to an employer that intentionally harms an employee. If an employer harmed you through willful or intentional misconduct, you could file a lawsuit against them for the damages they caused. For example, an employer might fail to provide ladders and scaffolding that meet industry standards, causing devastating fall injuries. You could also be injured by another coworker whose employer failed to train adequately. Employers are required to be aware of what regulations apply to them and cannot claim negligence when they disregard those standards.
Employer Does Not Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Carrying Workers’ Compensation insurance is not a choice for most employers. It is a requirement. If your employer is required by Georgia law to offer Workers’ Compensation but fails to, you could file a lawsuit against them in civil court to recover the compensation you are entitled to. You can also file a lawsuit against your employer if they fall under one of the exempt industries listed previously.
Independent Contractors
Independent contractors are under no obligation to go through Workers’ Compensation insurance for benefits. Independent contractors in Savannah may file a lawsuit for damages if they suffered injuries on a construction site.
Third-Party Negligence
The negligence of a third party causes many workplace accidents. Workers’ Compensation law allows injured workers to sue third parties that cause their injuries. For instance, if you were injured because a subcontractor failed to clean their area before leaving, you can file a lawsuit against the negligent party.
A common cause of third-party lawsuits is defective products. Manufacturers, designers, and retailers are responsible for discovering defects and correcting them before they hit the market. Our Savannah workplace injury lawyers can help you determine if filing a lawsuit is appropriate for your case.
Our Savannah, GA, Workplace Injury Lawyer Can Help
Workers have the right to be safe while they do their jobs. If you were injured in a workplace accident, our Savannah workplace injury lawyers at Howe Law can provide you with a free case review. Call us today at (844) 876-4357.
