workplace injury

Published on: July 12, 2013

Significant Drop in Georgia Workplace Fatalities

Last year, there was a significant drop in the number of workers killed in accidents and worksites across Georgia.In 2012, there was a 23% drop in workplace deaths compared to the previous year.

The data was released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.In 2012, there were a total of 33 workplace fatalities across the state.Just two weeks ago, the Georgia Department of Labor had estimated the number of fatalities at Georgia worksites at 30, and new figures by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration now peg the final number at 33.That number is still significantly lower than the 43 fatalities that were recorded in 2011.This is good news to all Georgians, and also our Atlanta workers comp attorneys.

Out of the workplace fatalities that occurred in Georgia last year, 13 occurred in the construction sector, which invariably contributes to the highest number of workplace fatalities every year.The remaining fatalities included 16 deaths in the general industry, one in the maritime trade industry, and three in the agricultural sector.

Published on: January 30, 2012

Investigations into Atlanta Machinery Accident Begin – Workers’ Comp Claim Likely

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Federal investigation officials are investigating a workplace accident in Atlanta, in which 2 people were killed after the piece of equipment they were working on, collapsed. Of course, family members of the persons who were killed are emotionally devastated. Unfortunately, as workers’ compensation attorneys know to well, Georgia’s worker’s compensation system is unlikely to provide the families with the level of financial assistance they need to move forward with their lives.

The accident occurred near midtown Atlanta, where the 2 men were working on a mobile lift in a 40-foot bucket.At some point, the lift became stuck.The men had been working on the exterior of an apartment building when the lift became stuck.As the workers attempted to move the lift, it collapsed on a concrete walkway.The 2 men were flung onto the ground, and sustained serious injuries.They were taken to the Grady Memorial Hospital, but succumbed to their injuries later.The victims included a 29-year-old man and a 42-year-old man. According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, the 2 men died from injuries they sustained in the fall.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun an investigation into the accident.The lift was at a height of 40 feet, but the 2 men were not crushed by the machinery when they fell.

Published on: December 12, 2011

Georgia Worker Seriously Injured in Power Line Electrocution – Workers’ Compensation Claim Likely

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

A worker in Kennesaw, Georgia was seriously injured in an electrocution accident last month.The man, a welder was in a bucket truck when the boom of the truck came in contact with a high-voltage overhead power line.It was a 4160 V power line, and the impact immediately resulted in serious electrical injuries to the man.He was rushed to the local hospital burn unit, and then transferred to a burn center in Augusta.

The man’s employer, Vulcan Materials and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration are investigating the work accident. In the event there is a personal injury claim against a third-party in addition to any workers’ compensation claim, the reports from these investigations will be vitally important. to the personal injury lawyer handling the case.

Many occupations require workers to be in close contact with high-voltage power lines.These workers include construction workers, mining workers, truck drivers, people in the tree trimming and tree service industry, and agricultural workers.Electrical utility workers are also often in close contact with power lines.However, the difference between electrical workers and other types of workers is that electrical utility workers are generally trained to identify the dangers of electrocution in their work, and avoid these dangers.Other types of workers may not have the benefit of such training.

Published on: April 28, 2009

Albany Industrial Accident Leaves Employee with Burn Injuries

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

A fire at the Equinox Chemical Plant in Albany has left one person severely burnt. The flash fire occurred on April 15^th. 37-year-old Jason Pate suffered second and third degree burn injuries over up to 70% of his body. He was taken to the Augusta Burn Center where his condition has been listed as critical.

According to preliminary investigations, Pate was operating chemical machinery when two gas kit seals suddenly ruptured, due to pressure. That caused the manifold system to blow off the Acetylene, igniting and sparking a fire. The company has shut down production, pending an investigation of the accident. Firefighters remained at the plant all night to ensure that all Acetylene tanks were empty, and there was no danger of fire.

Fire safety is imperative in a chemical plant where the risk of fire and explosions is always present. Burns that result from a chemical fire are severe, leaving long term scars. These burns are extremely painful, and cause significant tissue damage. In cases that are as severe as Pate’s case here, skin grafting may be necessary. All this means many days away from work while the body heals enough to allow for skin graft surgery, as well as a long healing period later.

Published on: September 28, 2008

Carnival Worker Injured in Amusement Ride Fall

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

On Sunday, a carnival worker was critically injured when he fell forty-five feet from the outside of a Roll-O-Plane carnival ride at the Plaza Fiesta on Buford Highway in DeKalb County.The outdoor carnival is operated by Gold Medal Shows.

According to witnesses, the worker was trying to secure a door of the ride when the ride started moving and he was hoisted into the air.The Roll-O-Plane is a bullet-shaped passenger cabin that spins upward by a single rotating arm.After losing his grip at the top of the ride, the worker plunged onto a steel support beam at the base of the ride.

Two teenage brothers were inside the ride with an unsecured door at the time of the accident.Their horrified mother watched from below while they were trapped atop the ride for twenty minutes.DeKalb County Firefighters rescued the teens.Initial reports blame human error for the mishap.

Published on: November 26, 2007

Medical Reimbursement by Wal-Mart Leaves Employee Destitute

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

November 26, 2007

Last week, the Wall Street Journal’s (subscription required) front-page story explained insurance subrogation through its personal effect on Wal-mart employee, Deborah Shank.Fifty-two year old Shank worked as a night clerk at Wal-mart for years in order to care for her three sons during the day.Seven years ago while shopping at a yard sale, Shank was hit by a semi tractor-trailer, leaving her paralyzed and brain damaged for life.

Shank’s family sought legal help and eventually obtained a one million dollar settlement, which were the limits of the defendant’s liability insurance policy.With the settlement, the Shanks paid their attorneys, paid off some debts and purchased a wheelchair accessible home for Mrs. Shank.They placed the remaining $417,000.00 in a special trust to care for her at home long term.