Atlanta Heavy Machinery Accident Lawyer

Navigating the aftermath of a serious workplace injury can be overwhelming, and when that injury involves heavy machinery, the consequences can be life-altering. Adding the stress of navigating the compensation or legal system to get the money you need to recover can add substantially to that burden. That is why having an experienced Atlanta heavy machinery accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a heavy machinery accident while on the job, understanding your rights and legal options in Georgia is crucial, which is why you should call Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today at 404-975-1775 to get a free consultation about your case.

The Risks of Working with Heavy Machinery

Millions of Americans work around heavy equipment daily, which increases the chance of injury, such as losing a finger, hand, or arm. These injuries could have devastating, life-changing consequences. The Atlanta heavy machinery accident lawyer team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm know how devastating these accidents can be, and are here to help you when you call us at 404-975-1775.

Heavy equipment accidents can occur in numerous ways both in and outside the workplace. Accidents often involve types of machinery such as tractors, forklifts, large trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, trenchers, and cranes, among others. Even advanced heavy machinery systems like AI-powered machines and robots, while intended to reduce certain risks, can malfunction and cause injuries.

Injuries sustained in these heavy machinery accidents can range anywhere from small abrasions to more serious injuries such as electrocution, burns, stabs, and puncture wounds. The aftermath of such accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating.

Even when safety regulations are followed, tragic accidents can still happen. Construction companies in Georgia are required to adhere to strict safety regulations to minimize risks, but unfortunately accidents happen regardless. If an accident is caused by a company negligently ignoring safety regulations, however, they may be legally liable for any injuries as a result of the accident.

What to Do After a Heavy Machinery Accident at Work

If you’ve been injured in a heavy machinery accident on the job, taking the proper steps immediately is important to safeguard your rights.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Get medical treatment right away, even for a seemingly minor injury. This is crucial for your health and establishes documentation of your injuries. Continue seeing doctors and specialists as recommended. Your medical records will be essential evidence.
2. Notify Your Employer: Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. You must provide notice, at least verbally, within 30 days for workers’ compensation.
3. Collect Evidence: Gather as much information about the incident as you can. This includes photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, witness names and statements, and any relevant documents like police reports or maintenance records. Keep records of all medical bills and lost wages. Consider keeping a journal documenting your recovery and how the injury impacts your life.
4. Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Avoid giving statements to the at-fault party’s insurance company, or even your own, without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters may try to use your statements against you to minimize your payout.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Seek legal advice from an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can guide you through the process, ensure deadlines are met, and protect your rights.

How the Atlanta Heavy Machinery Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Claims

If you are injured by heavy machinery while on the job in Georgia, you may have legal options to pursue financial recovery. Depending on the situation, you may have a workers’ compensation claim, or a personal injury claim. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we can help you determine what kind of claim you may have when you call us at 404-975-1775.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. In Georgia, you are typically covered by workers’ compensation starting from your first day on the job. This system is generally considered “no-fault”, which means that if you have suffered harm while working, you can pursue benefits regardless of who was at fault, so long as the injury occurred on the job.

If you suffer a workplace injury or illness, Georgia workers’ compensation offers several important benefits. These can include medical benefits, any lost wages, disability benefits, payments for vocational rehabilitation, or death benefits.

In order to support your workers’ compensation claim, it’s essential to obtain all medical documents, such as receipts, bills, X-rays, prescription notes, and doctor statements. Your medical practitioner should also compile a detailed record stating the severity of your condition, symptoms, and how your injury has affected your ability to work.

There are important deadlines for reporting a workplace injury in Georgia that you cannot miss in order to seek compensation for your claims. A person seeking to make a claim must typically provide notice of the injury to your employer within 30 days. While a verbal report is a first step, proper documentation must be filed with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, usually within one year from the date of injury, in order to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

Third-Party Liability Claims

While workers’ compensation is usually the first resource for injured workers, it may not be the only option for financial recovery. In addition to a workers’ compensation claim, an injured worker may be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against a third party if someone other than your employer was at fault for the accident.

Unlike workers’ compensation “no-fault” rule, third-party liability claims typically require proving negligence or fault by the responsible party. If the injury was caused by defective equipment, however, you would need to prove that the manufacturer released a defective product. This could cause the manufacturer to be found liable if it was, in fact, defective.

Third-party liability claims can result in additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation typically provides. Through a successful personal injury claim or lawsuit, you can seek damages for your injuries that you suffered as a result of the third party. An experienced Atlanta heavy machinery accident lawyerfrom Merritt & Merritt Law Firm is essential to helping you determine liability and possibly proving a manufacturer defect. Call us today at 404-975-1775 to discuss your case with us for free.

How an Atlanta Heavy Machinery Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Personal Injury Claim

If you pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit in Georgia, there are two key legal concepts that come into play: the statute of limitations and comparative negligence.

• Statute of Limitations: In the State of Georgia, there is a time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of your injury to initiate a lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to seek compensation through the legal system. When you hire an Atlanta heavy machinery accident lawyerat our firm we will make sure you meet all necessary deadlines so you don’t miss out on the compensation you need.
• Comparative Negligence: Georgia also follows what’s called a modified comparative negligence system. This determines how fault is shared and how it affects the amount of compensation you can recover. Under this rule, you cannot recover losses if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident. If you are found partially at fault but less than 50% responsible, your recoverable damages will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are $100,000 and you are found 10% responsible, you can claim $90,000. A qualified attorney can work to reduce your assigned blame and maximize your compensation.

Why You Need an Atlanta Heavy Machinery Accident Lawyer

Dealing with a serious injury from a heavy machinery accident is incredibly challenging, and navigating the legal system while recovering can be overwhelming. Having an experienced Atlanta heavy machinery accident lawyer by your side is crucial to protect your rights and get the full compensation you deserve.

An attorney from Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can assist you with a wide range of essential tasks such as navigating the system, meeting important deadlines, gathering all relevant evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, maximizing compensation, identifying liable parties, or appealing compensation denials.

A heavy machinery accident in the workplace can change your life in an instant. You deserve proper compensation and support to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the other ways the injury impacts you. Our Atlanta heavy machinery accident lawyer team is experienced and ready to help you navigate the complexities of Georgia’s legal system. They can fight aggressively to protect your rights and get you the benefits you deserve. Don’t delay in seeking the medical and legal help you need. Contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today at 404-975-1775 to learn more about your legal options and discuss your case for free.