Gainesville Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Were you injured in a slip-and-fall accident in the workplace in Gainesville, Georgia? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Safety Council, 244,000 workers were injured in falls across the nation in just one year. These workers required time off from work to heal. That’s hundreds of thousands of workers suffering painful injuries and losing essential income when they need it most.
At Weaver Law Firm, we understand how serious workplace accidents are and the impact they can have on your life and livelihood. We’re here to stand up for you and to fight for the compensation you deserve. For over 20 years, we’ve helped workers in Gainesville and surrounding areas of Georgia seek the benefits they need after a workplace injury. We’re proud of the work we do every day for our clients.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to a slip-and-fall at work in Gainesville, reach out to us for a free consultation today. We’ll be ready to review the details of your case and discuss your options for recovering compensation, whether it is filing for workers’ compensation benefits, pursuing a third-party injury claim, or both. There’s no obligation, and there’s no need to worry about the cost of our services. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless and until we recover money for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Why Do Workplace Slip-and-Fall Accidents Happen?
There are many causes of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace, and most of them are preventable. While some are purely accidental, others result from poor training and procedures or faulty equipment in the workplace.
According to a presentation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, some of the reasons for slip, trip, and fall accidents include:
- Product spills, including wet and dry substances such as liquids and powders
- Polished floors and waxed surfaces
- Sloped walking surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Loose boards and rugs
- A lack of anti-skid surfaces in the workplace
- Metal surfaces
- Irregular surfaces such as rocks and gravel
- Work debris
- Lack of railings
- Missing signage
Statistics on Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace
Workplace slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in Georgia. According to an overview provided by the Georgia Department of Health, slips, trips, and falls in the workplace number in the thousands every year. Over 6,000 slips, trips, and falls result in injuries in a typical year.
While these accident injuries can be severe, it’s also important to know that they can be fatal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, trips, and falls resulted in dozens of fatalities accounting for 14% of workplace deaths in one recent year.
Common Slip-and-Fall Workplace Injuries in Gainesville, Georgia
Common injuries from a slip-and-fall at work include:
- Broken bones, including arm, leg, and hip fractures
- Sprains, strains, and nerve damage
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, contusions, and bleeding
- Skull fractures
- Dislocated shoulders
- Neck and spine injuries
- Knee sprains and fractures
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
Common Causes of Falls at Work
When you’re at work, you’re there to get things done. You rely on suppliers, co-workers, and your employer to do their part in keeping you safe. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen. They could fail to install the right equipment, or they could create dangerous conditions that lead to a slip-and-fall accident, for example.
Some of the leading causes of workplace falls include potential hazards such as:
- Damaged or uneven flooring
- Debris in walkways
- Weather hazards
- Loose rugs or mats
- Unmarked, unexpected stairs
- Poor lighting
- Loose cables
- Clutter on the floor, including tools and work materials
- Missing or loose railings
Gainesville Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims for Workplace Falls
Generally, when you’re injured on the job in Gainesville, you’ll need to go through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance to seek the resources you need. However, there are some situations where you may be able to seek compensation from a third-party through a personal injury lawsuit.
Third-parties could include a supplier, equipment manufacturer, or others who aren’t under your employer’s control. For example, suppose you trip because of a defective piece of flooring. In that case, you may be able to pursue a third-party claim for your injuries against the flooring manufacturer. Perhaps your workplace fall occurred while you were visiting another company’s facility. You could have a third-party premises liability claim against the property owner or business if they were negligent.
Third-party personal injury claims can allow injured workers to recover compensation beyond what workers’ compensation benefits provide. For example, a successful third-party injury claim could include full payment of lost wages, as well as pain and suffering damages, which are unavailable from workers’ compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Workplace Injuries in Gainesville
If you need to bring a claim for workplace injuries under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system, you’ll generally have one year from the date of the accident to do so. You’ll also need to notify your employer of what happened within 30 days of the accident.
If you need to bring a third-party claim for your injuries, you may have up to two years from the accident’s date. But keep in mind that the limits in your case could be different. Speak with an attorney immediately to ensure you file your slip-and-fall lawsuit or workers’ comp claim within any applicable time limits.
Contact Our Gainesville Workplace Slip-and-Fall Attorneys Today
If you’ve suffered a trip-and-fall or a slip-and-fall at work in Gainesville, contact an experienced attorney at Weaver Law Firm now. As a local, full-service law firm with decades of combined experience, we’re here to help you when you’re injured. We understand what you’re going through, and that’s why we provide a free, no-obligation consultation and legal advice to help you move forward.
Learn more about your legal options, rights, and potential compensation by contacting us now. There’s no obligation, and your consultation will always remain confidential.