Mother and Son at the Gravesite of a Family Member Killed at WorkIn 2020, fatal work injuries claimed the lives of nearly 200 people in Georgia (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). It can be easy to lose track of the fact that each of these statistics represents a person who didn’t come home from work one day. There are several ways that employees can be fatally injured on the job.

Common Causes of Deadly Work Accidents in Georgia

 There are several ways that employees can be fatally injured on the job. The following are the four most common causes.

1. Transportation Accidents

The most common category of fatal workplace accidents in Georgia in 2020 was transportation accidents. They resulted in 80 fatalities, representing 41% of the total number of deaths that year.

This category includes the following types of accidents:

  • Pedestrians struck by a work vehicle
  • Commercial truck crashes
  • Car accidents (single vehicle and collisions)
  • Non-roadway accidents involving motorized work vehicles

2. Violence by Individuals or Animals

Violent, deliberate acts by people or animals are the second most common cause of Georgia fatal workplace accidents. There were 23 fatalities attributed to violent acts by people or animals, representing 12% of the total for that year. Self-inflicted injuries were included in this category.

3. Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments

Harmful substances or environments in the workplace include electricity, extreme temperatures, and harmful chemicals. In 2020, 21 Georgia workers lost their lives due to exposure to a harmful substance in their workplace or the work environment itself. This number represents 11% of fatalities for that year.

4. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slip-and-fall injuries are a common cause of lost days from work in the US. They are also the leading cause of death among workers in the age 55-and-up age bracket.

In 2020, there were 32 slip-and-fall injuries, representing 17% of fatal workplace accidents in Georgia. The majority of these (28 accidents) involved a fall from a higher level to a lower one.

Consult an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you have lost a loved one who was on the job at the time they died, you and your family may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Georgia law. You may also be able to make a claim for additional damages.

The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Rechtman & Spevak have the experience required to assist families who have lost a loved one in a work-related accident. Our skilled legal team is happy to answer your questions to ensure you understand your rights and all the options available. Contact our Atlanta law office by using our online contact form or calling 404-355-2688 today to schedule an appointment for a free initial case consultation.

 

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