Construction sites are inherently dangerous: construction workers are ripping things apart, which can lead to a lot of debris everywhere or uneven surfaces for pedestrians or drivers. Although construction workers have been heavily trained to know how to properly get around and work in a construction zone, regular pedestrians or regular motorists have not. (However, accidents still occur with construction workers. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 construction workers are injured every year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.)
There’s a lot of potential for a pedestrian or a motorist to get in an accident in a construction zone, and if a driver or a motorist is injured in a construction zone, they could potentially sue the construction company for negligence.
Typically, at an active construction site, there will be lots of workers present who are actively completing work on the project. If a pedestrian or a driver gets into an accident at the construction site, that’s a lot of potential witnesses who saw the accident occur firsthand. If someone had a clear view of what happened, there is a good chance that they may be asked to testify on what happened—however, their testimony may be on behalf of the construction company that is responsible for the site. It’s important to note whether there were any signs placed properly before the construction zone and if you were paying attention to your surroundings when you were walking or driving by. If not, you may be liable for your own injuries.
A construction bystander accident can be very dangerous and costly for the victim. Here are a few things to know when you have been injured in a construction zone.
COMMON INJURIES FROM A BYSTANDER CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT
Construction zones hold a lot of dangers for construction workers, pedestrians, and drivers.
Here are a few common injuries associated with a bystander construction accident:
- Burns
- Falls
- Electric shocks
- Injuries from falling objects
WHAT SHOULD I IF I AM INJURED IN A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT?
The first thing you should do after a construction accident is to seek medical attention if necessary. Even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe, it’s always prudent to double-check because you could have an injury that doesn’t have symptoms that show up right away.
After you take care of your injuries, you should take pictures of the construction site where the injury occurred. (If you are unable to, ask someone else to take the pictures for you.)
Lastly, hire a personal injury attorney that will help you understand your rights and assist you in pursuing compensation for your medical bills and/or lost wages. Have you been injured in a bystander construction accident in Georgia? You’re going to need an expert legal team to help you in this time of need. Call the Fry | Goehring at (404) 948-3571 today to set up a consultation.
