Atlanta is one of the busiest and fastest growing cities in the United States. With this influx of people comes the need for more infrastructure and roadways. This often leads to an increase in construction zones and more workers along high traffic highways. When a worker is injured, the incident could be considered a workplace accident.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, approximately 29,000 people are injured in work zone crashes each year. Earlier this year, three DOT employees were injured when a tractor trailer hit a state buffer vehicle, causing a chain reaction accident in Lowndes County, WCTV reported.
Although it may seem unusual, construction zones are considered the workplace for those employees. Certain safety measures have been put in place to help keep them safe, but accidents still can happen. Heavy machinery, long hours, working at night and being in congested traffic areas all could play a part in causing a workplace accident.
When an employee is injured, he or she could file for worker’s compensation. When filing, it does not matter who is at fault for the accident, even if the employer is not directly responsible. Worker’s compensation still could a viable option for an injured employee.
Under Georgia law, worker’s compensation is a state-regulated insurance program that assists workers who were injured while on the job. Employers are required to carry this insurance, which essentially is responsible for paying medical expenses that have occurred as a result of the workplace accident.
Worker’s compensation also could pay for two-thirds of a worker’s weekly wages if he or she is out of work because of an on-the-job accident. Disability insurance also could be included if the employee is unable to work or must do so at a reduced capacity.
The program is designed to help employees and their employers avoid litigation. However, sometimes the insurance program does not provide the kind of help a worker could need after an accident, or it does not provide any financial assistance at all.
If worker’s compensation benefits are not received, a claim can be filed within one year of the accident to protect the person’s rights. The State Board of Worker’s Compensation then will provide the person with a form to complete, which could be done with the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney.
If benefits still are not provided after applying through the form, a hearing could be requested. The employee and his or her legal counsel could appear before the State Board of Worker’s Compensation, explaining why the benefits are crucial. The case then would be decided by an Administrative Law Judge.
No matter the type of workplace, state law allows for people to receive the help and financial assistance they need after an accident on the job. If you are seeking worker’s compensation, contact skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyer Emanuel Balams to help you get the assistance you need.
