Marietta Injury Lawyer Blog
Roadside construction poses numerous threats to workers in Georgia. In many cases, the only thing separating these workers from fast-moving vehicles is a few plastic cones. It only takes one distracted or intoxicated driver to veer into construction zones and cause catastrophic injuries. If an incident like this has harmed you or someone you love, you may have the right to file an injury lawsuit. Speak with an auto accident lawyer in Georgia for more information.
Worker Killed After Roadside Construction Accident in Georgia
In June 2024, it was reported that a construction worker had lost their life after an accident on I-20. The individual was cutting grass on the side of the highway when his tractor tipped over, causing fatal crush-related injuries. This incident highlights the serious hazards associated with roadside construction work.
Roadside Construction Accident: Workers’ Comp or Personal Injury?
After a roadside construction accident, you might wonder whether you should file a personal injury claim or a workers’ compensation claim. The answer depends on the circumstances of your accident. If your injuries were caused by a negligent third party, you may be able to file an injury claim instead of (or in addition to) a workers’ compensation claim.
If your injury did not involve a negligent third party, however, you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim. In the above example, the worker seems to have died due to a falling tractor. Since no other third parties were involved in the fatal accident, his surviving family members may only have the option to file a workers’ compensation claim. The only exception would be product liability. In other words, the family may be able to file a lawsuit against the tractor manufacturer for creating some kind of hazardous defect.
Many roadside workers are injured by passing motorists each year in Georgia. These types of accidents generally involve reckless motorists veering into construction zones and striking workers on foot. These workers often congregate in tightly packed groups, and a single vehicle can injure crowds of workers.
In this type of situation, you may be able to sue negligent drivers for your injuries – just like an average pedestrian. But why would you want to do this when you could simply file a workers’ comp claim instead? Personal injury lawsuits have the potential to provide compensation for non-economic damages, while workers’ comp does not cover these losses. In other words, a personal injury lawyer can provide you with higher levels of compensation.