Highway Construction Worker Injury in Atlanta

Driving in the Atlanta area can be treacherous thanks to the ongoing construction projects on the highway system. While this is irritating for drivers, it can be incredibly dangerous for the workers responsible for completing these important projects. Hazards like congested roadways, reckless and intoxicated drivers, and working at night can lead to accidents which can injure or kill workers.

As the number of vehicles traveling across Georgia’s roads increases, so will the volume of highway construction projects meant to keep these roads in shape. The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearing House (NWZSIC) reports that roughly 20% of our nation’s highway system is under construction during peak season, with over 3,000 designated work zones.

Drivers can expect to see an active work zone one out of every 100 miles driven on the highway. Road construction-related accidents have become incredibly common in Georgia and throughout the nation. NWZSIC reports that more than 40,000 people are injured each year from crashes in work zones, with an injury occurring every nine minutes. Tragically, three fatalities happen in these zones daily.

If you or someone you love works in highway construction and has been either injured or killed on the job, you have a right to compensation. The injury attorneys at Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C. have a long history of assisting injured workers and their families with seeking relief. We’ll review the circumstances of your case and pursue the parties responsible for maximum compensation. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.

The Main Causes of Road Construction Worker Injury and Death

Highway construction workers are exposed to long working hours and extreme weather conditions. Many also work at night when they are less visible to other drivers. These projects often take place in areas where motorists are driving at high speeds – even through the work zones. Common causes of injuries and death to workers in these situations include:

• Traffic accidents. The Federal Highway Administration reports that a leading cause of work zone accidents involves other motorists. When passing drivers fail to slow down as required, drive distracted, or are otherwise unsafe, this puts construction workers on the scene at risk of injury or death.
• Backovers and runovers. Nearly half of all accidents on highway construction sites are due to being backed over or run over by heavy equipment or other vehicles. These work zones are tight quarters, and large machinery, such as dump trumps must maneuver with workers present.
• Slip and falls. Poor weather conditions or spilled materials can lead to dangerous slip and falls. Common injuries include back injuries, traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, and broken bones.
• Struck by or caught between objects. Accidents involving machinery or heavy materials when repairing roadways can be deadly when a worker is struck by or caught between objects.
• Electrical accidents. Highway work is often done near overhead electrical lines and involves the use of temporary electrical systems such as generators. These environments can create an electrocution hazard for workers.
• Workers can suffer from injuries related to heavy physical labor and long hours in extreme elements. If not addressed quickly, these injuries can become quite serious.
• Toxic substances. People who work on these sites are exposed to harmful substances that can lead to serious conditions from both short and long-term exposure.

Who’s to Blame for Highway Construction Accidents?

If you are a road construction worker that was injured on the job, you likely have coverage under workers’ compensation. This is insurance coverage that your employer must carry by law, and it will provide certain benefits, such as medical care and some wage replacement, regardless of fault in the accident.

Unfortunately, even if your employer did something wrong, the workers’ compensation system doesn’t allow you to sue them except in a few rare instances. But, when someone other than your employer was to blame for the accident or was even partially at fault, you can file a third-party lawsuit.

Many road construction sites are run by a General Contractor, who has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for workers. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has developed specific standards for construction sites, and Part 1926 deals with traffic, caution, danger, exit, and directional signs.

There are additional standards provided by NIOSH to prevent equipment backover injuries as well as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for road surface markings, traffic signs, and signals. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed standards for high visibility safety apparel on these job sites.

In short, failure to adhere to any of these standards by a General Contractor can constitute negligence and be the basis for a third party lawsuit after a serious injury or death.

When another vehicle causes an accident in a work zone, you have the right to seek compensation from the responsible party through a separate personal injury case.

Likewise, if your accident was caused by a faulty or defective piece of machinery or equipment, you can file a products liability claim against the designer or manufacturer to recover additional damages.

Get Help After an Atlanta Highway Construction Injury

If you or someone you love was injured while working on a highway construction site, you may have more options for recovery than workers’ compensation. When an accident is caused by a third party, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit.

In road construction work, these lawsuits are often filed against careless drivers, but there are other possibilities. Whether it was a driver, another contractor, or an equipment manufacturer that was to blame for your harm, the experienced accident attorneys at Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C. have over 40 years of experience fighting for injured workers like yourself.

Our legal team will review your case at no cost to you and help you decide on the best course of action. Injured workers can often recover beyond what workers’ compensation offers, including damages for pain and suffering and full wage loss.

We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us until you collect compensation. Contact our Atlanta office today at 678-981-5370 or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment.