Working in a warehouse involves numerous risks, and when accidents occur, the resulting injuries can severely impact workers’ lives and their ability to earn a living. But you can recover compensation to cover the costs of your injuries if you’ve suffered a warehouse accident in Atlanta.
To get compensated, you need the help of an experienced lawyer who fights for your rights and advocates for your best interests. Our team of attorneys at Deming Parker has been providing expert legal advice to injured workers in Georgia since 1974. We can help you build a strong case to recover damages and navigate the legal system effectively.
Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.
Suffered an Accident? Our Atlanta Warehouse Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a warehouse accident, our lawyers can help you with all aspects of your case, from investigating the incident and gathering evidence to calculating damages and representing you in negotiations with insurers or in court. Specifically, we will:
- Evaluate your case, assess the circumstances of the accident, and determine the strength and value of your claim.
- Gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to support your claim and build a strong case.
- Prepare and file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf, handling all legal paperwork while adhering to the deadlines and procedures stipulated by law.
- Represent you in all legal proceedings, from negotiations with insurers to trial or appeals (if necessary) to advocate for your rights and seek fair compensation.
Our team of workers’ compensation lawyers has the necessary experience and resources to navigate Georgia’s legal system successfully. With a strong understanding of the laws applicable to your case, we can build a solid strategy and a compelling case that gets you financially restituted.
Dangers of Working in a Warehouse – You Have the Right to Be Safe
Warehouses can be hazardous work environments, with various potential dangers that workers face daily. In Georgia, workplace safety regulations are primarily governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces standards to ensure employees work in a safe environment.
OSHA outlines some essential worker rights and protections, an invaluable resource to know if your rights have been violated. Some of the most common dangers that warehouse workers encounter include:
Heavy Equipment and Machinery
Heavy machinery such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and conveyor belts, if not properly maintained or operated, can cause severe injuries. Employers must ensure that all machinery is safe to use and that workers are adequately trained.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls happen when warehouses present wet floors, uneven surfaces, loose cables, or walkway obstacles, leading to injuries such as fractures or head trauma, particularly when working at heights.
To minimize these risks, employers must maintain a clean and organized workplace and provide workers with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and training to prevent falls.
Harmful Substances
Exposure to hazardous substances like chemicals, flammable materials, dust, and fumes can lead to long-term health issues. To mitigate risks, employers must provide proper ventilation and protective equipment, and implement strict safety protocols.
Physical Strain
Warehouse jobs often require heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and awkward postures, leading to diverse musculoskeletal disorders. To avoid workers’ physical strain, employers should provide ergonomic equipment and train workers in proper techniques to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries.
Falling Objects
Improperly stacked or secured items often fall and strike workers, causing severe injuries or even fatalities. To avoid this, storage systems must be designed and used correctly. The use of safety nets or barriers can also help prevent these accidents.
As a warehouse worker in Georgia, you have the right to a safe working environment. Otherwise, if you were injured due to an employer’s failure to provide a safe workplace, our lawyers can help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits and hold the responsible accountable.
What Types of Warehouse Accidents Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Atlanta, Georgia?
According to O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1, “personal injury” at the workplace includes harm resulting from accidents arising out of and during employment. Some of the types of accidents covered by workers’ compensation include:
- Injuries from lifting heavy objects (such as back or neck injuries)
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Accidents involving forklifts or other vehicles
- Injuries from repetitive motions
- Incidents caused by structural collapses or falling objects
- Accidents resulting from electrical hazards, fires, or explosions
- Injuries due to inadequate safety equipment
- Accidents caused by poor lighting or visibility
Common Injuries Sustained in Warehouse Accidents
Some of the most common workplace accident injuries we have sustained in these claims include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Back and neck injuries
- Cuts, lacerations, and amputations
- Respiratory issues
- Burns
It’s our goal to consider all the consequences behind these injuries and to include them successfully in your claim.
Who Is Liable for Your Atlanta Warehouse Accident?
When seeking compensation for a warehouse accident, it’s crucial to establish liability to determine who is responsible for compensating you. To achieve this, at Deming Parker we conduct a thorough investigative process that includes gathering evidence and constructing strong arguments to prove liability.
In a warehouse accident, some potentially liable parties include:
Employer
Employers are often the primary liable party for workplace accidents when they fail to follow OSHA regulations and provide a safe working environment. Since employers must ensure the safety of their workers under Georgia law, they are liable for negligence that leads to accidents.
Manufacturers of Defective Equipment
If your injury resulted from faulty machinery or equipment, it’s possible to hold the manufacturer liable under Georgia’s product liability laws. This includes cases where machinery malfunctions or where safety features fail to protect workers as intended.
Property Owner or Manager
If the warehouse is rented, the property owner or manager should ensure the facility complies with safety standards and address any hazards promptly. If they fail to do so, they can be liable for accidents caused by unsafe conditions on the premises.
Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.
Contact Us and Let Us Help You Claim for Your Warehouse Accident in Atlanta
We bring decades of experience to your case, ensuring you have the best chances of successfully filing a workers’ compensation claim and securing rightful compensation. To discuss your case and strategize the best way to move forward with no upfront costs to you, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.