Construction Accidents at the New Falcons’ and Braves’ Stadiums

Atlanta is bustling with new construction projects, some of which are very much in the public view. For instance, sports fans in Georgia are eagerly awaiting the completion of the new Atlanta Falcons’ and Braves’ stadiums, both slotted for completion in 2017. But workers on these construction projects face serious workplace dangers – being a construction worker is one of the most dangerous jobs a person could have.

Between the extreme heat these workers face in the summer months, and the dangers posed by heavy equipment and automatic tools, construction workers on these stadium projects are constantly placed at risk of suffering worksite injuries.

It is only a matter of time before a construction worker is injured on one of these stadium projects. Some injuries have already occurred. For example, in 2015 metal scaffolding fell on a construction worker at the Falcons’ stadium project causing the worker head injuries.

The worker suffered serious injuries to the head and face, including cranial bleeding, facial fractures, and a severed ear. These types of injuries are no laughing matter. Construction workers who are injured on the job need to take action to hold those who are responsible for causing their injuries accountable.

Construction Site Accidents That Can Affect Workers

Workers on construction sites face all kinds of danger in the workplace. Heavy machinery, powerful tools, and the constant movement of workers make a construction site a hazardous place to work.

While workers are required to wear safety equipment, such as hard hats, ear protection and eye protection, and are required to follow safety rules and regulations while on the job, these safety measure don’t always go as far as they need to in order to protect workers from accidents and injuries. Despite practicing safety precautions, workers still suffer injuries on the job due to accidents.

Some of the most common accidents experienced by construction workers include, but are not limited to:

• Accidents involving falling objects, such as falling scaffolding or dropped equipment or tools;
• Accidents that leave workers with serious burn injuries;
• Explosion accidents;
• Electrocution accidents;
• Accidents resulting from workers developing heat sickness;
• Exposure to silica and other dangerous materials;
• Crush accidents involving heavy equipment;
• Impalement injuries from nails, tools, screws, etc.;
• Accidental falls from high places;
• Tripping accidents;
• Slip and fall accidents; and
• Accidents resulting from equipment failures, power failures, defective equipment, etc.

Construction accidents can be complicated. Sometimes there are multiple causes, and thus multiple parties might be at fault for causing the accident. The worker might be partially at fault, or the site supervisor, employer, or even a third party might be liable. An experienced workplace injury lawyer can help you determine who can be held liable for your workplace accident.

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Workers’ Compensation FAQs

Common Construction Site Accident Injuries

The injuries that a construction worker can endure on a stadium project or other building projects are countless because the variety of potential accidents are so vast on a construction site. Injuries can range from minor to severe, and in the worst cases can result in death. Some of the most frequently reported injuries that occur on constructions sites include:

• Injuries related to worksite vehicle accidents, i.e., back-over injuries, vehicle collision, a worker hit by a vehicle, etc.;
• Crush and pinch injuries;
• Broken bones, fractures, and other impact-type injuries;
• Cuts, scrapes, lacerations, bruises and contusions;
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains and ligament tears;
• Amputations of appendages or limbs;
• Injuries to the eyes and face;
• Hearing loss;
• Burn injuries from fire and exposure to dangerous chemicals;
• Repetitive motion injuries;
• Heat exhaustion and heat-related injuries;
• Lifting injuries and other stress- or strain-related injuries;
• Impailments;
• Head, neck and spinal injuries;
• Paralysis;
• Injuries from exposure to toxic chemicals;
• Slip and fall injuries; an d
• Death.

The injuries identified above do not form an exhaustive list, and are only an example of some of the serious injuries that construction workers face on the job. Construction workers have a right to a safe workplace under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Under OSHA, workers have a right to:

• A workplace that is free from recognized hazards;
• Be provided with tools and equipment that are in good, working condition;
• Be provided with safety training; and
• Be apprised of any workplace safety protocol and workers’ rights under OSHA.

Injured Construction Workers and Workers’ Compensation

In Atlanta, virtually all construction workers are eligible for workers’ compensation in the event that they become injured while on the job. This includes workers assigned to the Falcons’ and Braves’ stadium projects. Workers’ compensation are insurance benefits paid to injured workers to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs while the worker makes a recovery. Nearly all employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for their employees in Georgia.

Construction workers must report their injury to a work site supervisor or manager immediately after suffering the injury, or as soon as possible after receiving emergency medical care. The latest that a construction worker can report their injury to their employer is 30 days after the injury occurs. After notifying their employer about the injury, an injured construction worker can file a workers’ compensation claim within one year of the injury occurrence.

Taking steps towards obtaining workers’ compensation sooner rather than later is always a good idea to ensure that benefits are obtained as quickly as possible. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help with every aspect of seeking workers’ compensation for your work-related injuries, from completing and filing the claim form to dealing with any disputes raised by the employer or the insurance company.

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Bader Scott Injury Lawyers: Contact an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Construction workers are placed at risk of suffering worksite accidents every time that they walk onto a work site. Safety measures, such as safety equipment, safety protocols, and automatic safety features on tools and equipment, are sometimes not enough to protect this particularly vulnerable group of workers.

If you have been injured on a construction site, such as the Atlanta Falcons’ and Braves’ stadium projects, you need to consult with an experienced workplace injury attorney. The professionals at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers have worked with many injured construction workers to get the workers’ compensation that they need after an injury. Contact us today.

Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form