Were you injured in a trench accident in Atlanta, Georgia? Trench collapses are among the most dangerous types of construction site accidents, and they are almost always preventable. An experienced Atlanta trench accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your medical expenses and other damages.
At Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we stand up for injured workers across Georgia who’ve been hurt or killed in trench accidents. We have more than 50 years of combined experience and a track record of successful results in construction accident claims. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trench collapse or excavation-related accident, call us today at (770) 900-9000 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Choose Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Trench Accident Case in Atlanta, GA?
At Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping hardworking Georgians rebuild their lives after devastating injuries. With over 50 years of combined experience, our award-winning attorneys have earned a reputation for going above and beyond for injured workers and their families.
When you choose our Atlanta construction accident lawyer to represent you, you’re getting a team that will:
- Lead a meticulous investigation into the trench collapse, uncovering safety violations and responsible parties
- Accurately assess your damages to identify all potential sources of compensation
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to maximize your compensation award
- Take your case to trial if necessary; we’re not afraid to fight in court when justice is on the line
We handle every case with the care and attention we would give our own family, because that’s how we see our clients. Reach out to our Atlanta construction accident lawyers today for a free case review.
Common Injuries in Trench Accidents
Trenching is a necessary part of many construction projects, but it comes with serious risks. Trenches can collapse without warning, especially when they are not properly supported.
These accidents often result in the following injuries:
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Suffocation and asphyxiation
- Fatalities
Many trench-related accidents are preventable. If you suffered these or other catastrophic injuries, you deserve answers. Contact our workplace accident lawyers in Atlanta to learn more about your rights and options.
Why Do Trench Accidents Happen?
Most trench accidents are not “freak occurrences;” they happen because someone failed to follow basic safety standards.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict guidelines in place to protect workers on excavation sites. OSHA requires that any trench more than five feet deep must have protective systems in place. But these rules are often ignored due to carelessness, cost-cutting, or time pressure.
Common causes of trench accidents in Atlanta include:
- Failure to use protective systems such as trench boxes or shoring
- Lack of daily inspections by a qualified person
- Excavated soil (spoils) placed too close to the trench edge
- Vibration from heavy machinery too close to the trench
- Poor weather conditions or water intrusion
- Failure to identify underground utilities
When a general contractor, subcontractor, or site manager fails to uphold OSHA safety protocols, they can be held liable for the injuries that result.
Who is Responsible for a Trench Collapse in Atlanta?
In Georgia, injured construction workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits from their employer.
However, trench accident cases often involve additional third parties who may share legal responsibility, including:
- General contractors and site supervisors
- Subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers or suppliers
- Property owners or developers
- Engineers or safety inspectors
If any of these parties contributed to unsafe conditions that led to the trench collapse, you may be entitled to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Trench Accident in Georgia?
Workers’ compensation may cover some of your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income. However, it does not provide compensation for pain and suffering or long-term impact on your quality of life.
If a third party contributed to unsafe conditions that led to the trench collapse, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages.
These can include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
It’s important to explore every potential source of recovery after a workplace accident. At Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help you understand the value of your claim during a free consultation.
Call Today for a Free Consultation with an Atlanta Trench Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trench collapse in Atlanta, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Call Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta trench accident attorney.
We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you take the first step toward justice. Let us help you get justice.
