The Athens Construction Lawyer

Helping Injured Construction Workers & Pedestrians

The construction industry, by its very nature, carries more risk than many other fields. However, with the implementation of proper safety protocols, construction sites can and should be safe environments for both workers and passersby. Unfortunately, accidents still occur, often with serious repercussions. That's where The Law Office of Joshua Branch, LLC steps in and lends a professional hand to the injured.

Whether you're a construction worker injured on the job or a passerby or motorist harmed due to unsafe construction site control and zoning, our firm is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex process of filing a construction accident or wrongful death claim.

Our focus is on securing the compensation you deserve, so you can recover comfortably. Your case might also serve as a catalyst for improved safety measures within the industry, so you should not hesitate to see what legal options are open to you. Let us guide you through this challenging time and fight for your rights, just as we have done for so many others throughout the years.

Why should you pick The Athens Construction Accident Attorneys at The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch?

• We have recovered millions for past clients in complex and serious accident cases.
• We have decades of collective legal experience with a focus on Georgia personal injury law.
• We are known by our clients as genuine people who really care about the people we represent.
• We have award-winning attorneys leading the way for every case we take.

Learn more about your options after a construction accident in Athens, GA. Call (706) 760-9220 and ask for a FREE case consultation.

Common Types of Construction Accidents in Athens, GA

At The Law Office of Joshua Branch, LLC, we are always ready to handle a wide array of cases involving various types of construction accidents. Our extensive resources and years of experience allow us to tackle any construction accident case, no matter the complexity. 

We understand the unique challenges that each type of accident presents and are well-versed in the regulations and standards set by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In fact, many of the cases we deal with involve incidents related to what OSHA refers to as the "Fatal Four."

The OSHA Fatal Four represents the most common types of fatal construction accidents:

1. Falling from heights: A fall from a height as low as five or so feet can be enough to leave a worker with a severe or fatal injury.
2. Being struck by objects: Construction sites are often busy with moving machinery and equipment. Workers can be struck by flying, swinging, or falling objects like loose tools.
3. Electrocution: Construction sites often have exposed electrical wiring, power lines, and incomplete electrical systems. Accidental contact can lead to severe burns, cardiac arrest, or death.
4. Caught-in/between accidents: A caught-in/between accident happens when a worker is caught, crushed, or compressed between two or more objects, such as heavy machinery, walls, or construction vehicles.

Legal Claims After a Construction Accident

When a construction accident occurs, two common types of legal claims that might be filed are:

• Workers' compensation claims: For employees covered under workers' compensation, a workers’ comp claim is often the primary source of financial recovery after an accident. Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. The benefits can cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and in some cases, disability benefits. Importantly, workers' compensation operates on a "no-fault" basis, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, it's important to note that workers' compensation is typically not available for independent contractors, even those employed by an industry as hazardous as construction.
• Personal injury claims: For people not covered by workers' compensation, such as independent contractors, third parties, and passersby or motorists, a personal injury claim might be the best course of action. This type of civil claim is filed against the party whose negligence caused the accident. In a personal injury claim, you must prove that the defendant was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries.  This is the type of claim that The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch can provide legal representation for in this context.

The legal landscape surrounding construction accidents can be complex, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it with confidence. Let The Athens Construction Accident Lawyers be your guides. Our firm focuses on personal injury claims for injured construction workers who could not file for workers’ comp.

What to Do After a Construction Accident

If you're involved in a construction accident, you should try to:

• Get medical help: Seek immediate medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and having a medical record dated right after the accident can be crucial for any future workers’ comp or personal injury claims. 
• Report to your employer: Report the construction accident to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Failing to report the accident could cause complications for any claim you file later.
• Gather evidence: If possible, try to document the scene of the accident, especially if you aren’t covered by workers’ comp. This process might include taking photographs, noting unsafe conditions, and gathering contact information from any witnesses.
• Talk to a lawyer: Please speak with our experienced Athens construction accident lawyers as soon as you can. We can determine if you can file a personal injury claim against the liable party and what you should do next if you can.

Challenges in Athens Construction Accident Claims

Filing a construction accident claim in Athens, GA can be challenging. The process is often intricate, but with the right legal support from our firm, you can make sense of them. Our team is available to handle all the challenges on your behalf.

A few of the challenges we commonly see in a construction accident claim are:

• Proving liability: One of the biggest hurdles in any construction accident claim not filed through workers’ comp is proving who is at fault. Construction sites often have multiple contractors and subcontractors, making it difficult to determine who is responsible for the accident. Our Athens, GA personal injury attorneys are skilled in conducting thorough investigations to identify all liable parties.
• Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts by disputing the severity of injuries or arguing that the worker was at fault. Our law firm has extensive experience dealing with insurance companies, so you don’t have to.
• Understanding legal complexities: Construction accident claims can involve a complex tangle of laws and regulations. Our attorneys have a full understanding of these complexities and stay atop legal updates in this industry.
• Statute of limitations: You may only have two years after your construction accident – or even briefer in uncommon cases – to start an injury claim. Don’t miss your chance to demand a recovery just because you missed a legal deadline. With us handling your case, you don’t have to worry about Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations on most injury claims.