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Haralson County Deputy Involved in Pedestrian Accident | On the Job Injury | Douglasville Workers’ Compensation Attorney

According to the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, a sheriff’s deputy was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic in front of Haralson County High School. The sheriff’s deputy was transported to Atlanta Medical Center for injuries sustained in the accident.

The Haralson County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating this accident.

Murphy and Associates handles workers’ compensation claims throughout the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have been injured while on the job or have questions regarding liability concerning a car accident, please contact us for a free consultation (770) 577-3020.
       

Polk County Deputy Injured in Head On Collision | Head On Collision | Atlanta Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Attorney

On Monday July 26, 2010, a Polk County Deputy was injured in a head on collision. The collision which occurred on Prospect Road near Bellview Road involved the deputy and heavy equipment work truck. According to news reports the deputy was responding to a call at the time of the accident. Rockmart Rescue, EMS and Georgia State patrol all responded to the scene. Both the deputy and the driver of the work truck received injuries.

Murphy & Associates handles personal injury and workers’ compensation claims throughout the State of Georgia. We offer of a free consultation with no obligation. (770) 577-3020.

Georgia Power Workers Involved in Accident

Date: July 16, 2010
Location: Milton, Georgia
Event: Injured on the Job | Douglasville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

According to the Milton Police Department, one of two Georgia Power employees were injured in a blast on the job. A Georgia Power spokeswoman stated that the two workers were in the middle of replacing a power pole when they came in contact with a gas line, which exploded, burning the man in the bucket.

The burn victim was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. According to the Milton Police Captain, the unidentified man sustained burns more than eighty percent of his body and was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital.

Legal questions often arise in workers’ compensation claims. If you or a loved one have been injured on the job please contact us for a free consultation by calling (770) 577-3020.

Employee Killed in Work - Related Accident, Another Injured | Work Related Fatality | Douglasville Workers’ Compensation Attorney

According to the Times-Georgian, an employee was injured and another employee on the same job was killed. The two employees were placing an air conditioning unit in an attic of a private residence in Carrollton. According to the Carrollton Fire Department Captain the gentleman, from Tallapoosa Georgia was killed when he was electrocuted while using a torch and performing some wiring work. The other gentleman received burns when he attempted to save his co-worker whose clothing had caught fire following the electrocution.

Both employees were transported to Tanner Medical Center where one was pronounced dead and the other was treated and released. OSHA inspectors were on the scene Thursday afternoon.

Murphy & Associates handles workers’ compensation cases throughout the state of Georgia. For a free consultation phone (770) 577-3020.

Workers Injured and One Killed When Bridge Collapsed Now Files Suit | Atlanta Workers' Compensation Attorney

Date: June 10, 2010
Location: Atlanta Georgia
Event: Workers’ Compensation | Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Title: Workers Injured and One Killed When Bridge Collapsed Now Files Suit

In December of 2008 the new Canopy Walk at the Botanical Gardens collapsed killing one individual and injuring three others. The injured employees and the widow have filed a lawsuit and seek to recover damages as well as the full value of the deceased’s life. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the bridge following the accident and it was determined that the cause for the collapse may have been due to support towers being spaced too far apart. All of the workers were subcontracted for a concrete company.

Murphy and Associates handles workers’ compensation claims throughout the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have been injured while on the job and you have questions regarding liability please contact us for a free consultation (770) 577-3020.

County Worker Falls In Elevator Shaft | Atlanta Workers' Compensation Attorney

Chest Pain Turns Out To Be Torn Rotator Cuff

Contract Employee Killed on Construction Site at Airport | Atlanta Workers' Compensation Attorney

Date: May 7, 2010
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Event: Workers’ Compensation | Atlanta Workers’ Comp Attorney
Title: Contract Employee Killed on Construction Site at Airport

The accident which claimed the life of a contract worker at the airport on Thursday May 6, 2010 is being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ). The contract worker was employed by D. H. Pace Company and was working on the construction site at Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

Murphy and Associates handles workers’ compensation cases such as this one. If you or a loved one have been involved in a work related accident or have questions regarding an accident that occurred during the course of employment please call (770) 577-3020.

Georgia State Patrol Involved in Work Related Accident | Atlanta Workers' Comp Attorney

Date: May 4, 2010
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Event: Workers’ Compensation | Atlanta Workers’ Comp Attorney
Title: Georgia State Patrol Involved in Work Related Accident

According to Fox 5 News a Georgia State Patrol officer was involved in an auto accident while pursuing a suspect. The auto accident occurred east of Greenbriar Mall when the officer’s car slid off the roadway during the chase. Highway 166 west of Delow Drive was blocked due to the incident. There was an injury reported however; they did not say who was injured.

Murphy and Associates handles workers’ compensation cases such as this one. If you or a loved one have been involved in a work related accident or have questions regarding an accident that occurred during the course of employment please call (770) 577-3020.

Man Fatally Wounded At Work | Fatal Work Related Accident | Georgia Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Date: April 14, 2010
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Event: Fatal Work Related Accident | Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Title: Man Fatally Wounded At Work

According to Captain Fran Huggins of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s office, a man was killed at work on Tuesday while operating a piece of machinery. The deceased, Jeffrey E. Thurman of Cumming Georgia was employed by AP Specialty Metals also known as Tad Metals, Inc. Southest. Mr. Thurman was operating a piece of equipment that polishes heavy gauge metal when he was drug into the machine which crushed him. OSHA has been notified and is investigating however; the sheriff’s office believes no one may know how Mr. Thurman became entangled in the machinery.

Workers’ Compensation Claim: Returning To Work | Georgia Workers' Comp Lawyer

Workers’ Compensation Claim: Returning To Work

If you have been injured on the job, and your authorized treating physician, (ATP) has authorized you to return to work with restrictions, your employer may offer you a light duty position. It is important to know exactly what “position” you are being offered and if in fact your physician has approved this specific job duty under your restrictions. If your ATP has not authorized you to return to work or if your ATP has not authorized the light duty position you are not required to return to work.

Upon your return however, you should be sure to work solely within the restrictions as outlined by your ATP. Should your employer ask you or pressure you to perform job duties outside of your restrictions be sure to show them a copy of your written restrictions. If this continues you may need to contact an attorney. There are certain guidelines and time restrictions that limit your ability to come out of work and continue to receive workers’ compensation benefits. 

If you have particular questions concerning your workers’ compensation claim, feel free to contact us at (770) 577-3020 for a free consultation.

Auto Accident Injuries On Duty Officer | Auto Accident | Georgia Auto Accident & Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

What You Need To Know If You Are Injured On The Job On The Job Injury| Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you are hurt while in the course and scope of employment you should immediately notify your supervisor. In most cases you are required to report an on the job injury within 30 days of the date of injury. If your supervisor does not contact the Human Resources department you should contact them. Next they may have you complete an incident report. Remember to always refer to your employee handbook if you have any questions regarding the companies policies and procedures.

Upon completion of your report of injury you should also ask for a copy of the panel of physicians. This list should be somewhere convenient to all employees such as a break room area or near the time clock. In most cases you will be allowed to choose a physician from the posted panel of  physicians. However, in the event there is not a panel posted or if it is invalid you may be able to select a doctor of your own choosing. Although your injury may not seem serious to you in the beginning it is important to report it and follow these steps to protect your rights in the future should your injury become more serious.

You may be entitled to weekly indemnity benefits if your physician has taken you out of work. Each state varies on how and when these benefits become available to you as well as how long you may receive benefits through Workers’ Compensation. In the event that a work related accident would result in a fatality then the dependants of the deceased may be entitled to receive benefits or a settlement. Again, this may vary from state to state.

Many people, following a work related accident, may be fearful of losing their job and therefore do not want to report it. Remember, it is against federal and state law for an employee to be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Murphy and Associates handles workers’ compensation claims. If you or a loved one have been injured on the job please contact us for a free consultation by calling (770) 577-3020.

Ladder Accidents Can Result in Serious Injuries

Don't walk under a ladder:  it's bad luck.  Do you believe that adage?  Regardlesss of luck, ladders can be dangerous when not handled properly.  According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over 500,000 people in the United States receive treatment for injuries sustained while using ladders, especially in the workplace.   In short, there are two types of ladders:  a-frame and extension ladders.  Typically, a-frame ladders are used inside houses for painting walls or hanging pictures, while extension ladders work best for activities requiring individuals to work on high places.  While injuries sustained while working on ladders at home can be very serious, work-related injuries involving ladders can be much worse.  Of the 500,000 people treated for injuries related to accidents involving ladders, approximately 300 of them die, many of them from work-related accidents.     

The types of ladders used in the workplace tend to be are typically much taller and are used to access more dangerous objects than at-home ladders. Proper equipment, safety instructions, and working conditions, however, can prevent tragic work-related accidents with ladders.  According to OSHA requirements, ladders must be inspected regularly prior to use, and those that have structural defects are to be tagged with "DO NOT USE" stickers and removed from the site.  Ladders should be carried parallel to the ground when moved by hand and tied securely when transported by a truck or another vehicle.  When longer than the trucks transporting them, ladders should have bright flags at their ends to warn other drivers of potential danger.  Ladders must also be kept free from oil, grease, or other slippery substances that could cause workers to fall. 

If you have been injured in a ladder-related accident at work, please feel free to call us with any questions you may have.  We handle workers' compensation cases throughout the state of Georgia, and we will answer all of your questions for free with compassion and professionalism.  770-577-3020.

Potential Workers’ Comp.-Related Issue: Police Officer Crashes After Swerving to Avoid Truck in DeKalb County

A police officer struck a utility pole and a fire hydrant with his vehicle Thursday morning, February 5, after swerving to avoid a truck in DeKalb County, according to Marc Teichner of the My Fox Atlanta website. Teichner reports that the crash shut down parts of Panola Road in the county due to the fire hydrant’s gushing water, which made driving conditions more dangerous by creating ice on the roadway. According to the site, the officer had to change course in his vehicle because a tow truck was in his path. Transportation crews responded by pouring salt on Panola Road to lessen the hazardous conditions.

Although the site did not report whether the officer was injured, if he or she sustained injuries in the crash while on-duty in the police cruiser, a workers’ compensation claim could be made. Our law firm handles workers’ comp. cases throughout the metro Atlanta area, including Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Douglasville, and Carrollton, and we have assisted clients wishing to file claims as well as those who needed a lawyer after their own workers’ compensation claims were denied. If you have suffered a work-related injury, feel free to call Murphy & Associates for a free consultation. 770-577-3020.

Montgomery Police Officer Dies in Hospital Ten Days After Crash

Montgomery, Alabama, Police Officer Joshua Broadway died just 10 days after sustaining serious injuries in an on-duty car accident, according to the Officer.com website.  According to the site, Officer Broadway was traveling on Troy Highway near Virginia Loop Road in his patrol car when another vehicle, which was headed in the opposite direction, quickly turned in front of him.  Upon impact, the officer's car struck a utility pole, and Broadway was taken to the hospital and put on life support.  He worked for the Montgomery Police Department for two years.  We express our deepest condolences to the fallen officer's family and friends.  Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.   

Mobile Police Officer Crashes Into Power Pole, One Injured

Oxford Police Officer Crashes Into Dental Office, Sustains Injuries

A police officer from Oxford, Alabama, was reportedly in stable condition at Regional Medical Center as of Friday, January 9, following a Thursday evening car crash, according to Graham Milldrum of The Anniston Star on the MSNBC website.  Milldrum reports that the officer's vehicle crashed into a dentist's office after he passed out while on patrol near the Hale and Snow streets' southern intersection.  According to police Chief Bill Partridge, the officer passed out because of a medical condition shortly before 8:30 p.m.   In the accident, his patrol car struck a power pole and slammed into the dental office of Drs. Donald D. King and Marvin E. Poland. 

Our law firm handles car accident cases and workers' compensation cases such as this.  If you have been injured in a car accident or at work, please feel free to call us with any questions you may have.  We will answer your questions for free with compassion and professionalism.  770-577-3020.

Three Officers Injured in Atlanta Accidents

Calera Police Officer Involved in Pelham Area Crash

Construction Worker in Bartow County Killed

A construction worker, Felipe Felix, who was employed by Lane Construction, was killed by a car Monday, September 22, while posting a construction sign on Highway 98.  He was a resident of Bartow, Georgia.  According to the Polk County Democrat, The Polk County Sheriff's Office stated that the accident occurred near County Line Road in Lakeland.  Mr. Felix, who was only thirty-six, was wearing his light-reflecting safety vest and had just picked up a construction sign when he began to cross Highway 98 North from the east shoulder to the west shoulder.  The Lane Construction truck was traveling south on the west shoulder of Highway 98, and the headlights and strobelights were activated on the truck, the report said.  According to reports, Felix was behind the lights of the construction truck when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle (driven by Jeltema Georgia Lynn) that was traveling north.  Mr. Felix died at the scene.  Investigators from the Polk County Sheriff's Office are still investigating the incident. 

These types of accidents tend to be more complicated since they could lead to workers' compensation or wrongful death claims.  Our law firm has experience handling more complicated cases such as this.  If you have lost a loved one in an accident similar to this one, call us at 770-577-3020 for answers to your most pressing questions.  We will gladly consult with you for free regarding your case. 

Murphy & Associates:  (770)-577-3020.

Deputy Suffers Ankle Injury in Savannah Area Car Accident

Deputy Matthew Douglas Swint sustained injuries to his ankle after being involved in a car accident when responding a three-car collision Friday afternoon, October 3. According to Patrick Donahue of Effingham Herald, the deputy was headed to the first crash site on Ebeneezer Road when Martha Stapleton’s Toyota Corolla struck his vehicle, despite his activated lights and siren. The Georgia State Patrol reported that Ms. Stapleton was turning onto McCall Road from Highway 21 when the accident occurred. Swint’s vehicle suffered extensive damage, and he was taken to Savannah’s Memorial University Medical Center for his ankle injury. Along with her passenger, Wendy Johnson, Stapleton received treatment for minor injuries.

Our law firm handles car accident cases and workers' compensation injury cases similar to this one. If you have been injured while on the job or involved in a car accident, call us with any questions you may have. We will answer your questions for free and help you decide how to move forward. 770-577-3020.

Mistakes to Avoid If You Have A Workers' Compensation Case.

May 12, 2008 - Injured at work?

Mistakes to avoid if you have a workers’ compensation case

As a Workers’ Compensation Attorney, I see people who are hurt at work make the same mistakes over and over again, sometimes resulting in a denial of their workers’ comp claims.

Here are some of the most common mistakes that folks make:

1. Many people fail to report an injury right away thinking it is not serious or that they will shake it off. Some folks do this because they don’t want to be fired. However, most employers have a policy requiring reporting of an injury within 24 hours. If you violate this policy, the employer will take the position that you were not hurt at work. Remember Georgia Workers’ Compensation Law requires reporting of an accident to an employer within 30 days of the date of injury.

2. Some folks delay going to a doctor when they get hurt. This is a big mistake because many employers only acknowledge an injury if you have medical documentation from a doctor. Further, the longer a person waits to go to a doctor, the more difficult it can be for the doctor to say that the injury is related to an accident at work.

3. I have seen many clients provide the adjuster a recorded statement about the accident without obtaining legal advice. If there is a question about a client’s injury, the adjuster will use the recorded statement against the client without the client knowing he or she even has said something that might hurt his/her case.

4. Some folks think they can change doctors if they want. However, Workers’ Compensation Law in Georgia requires the employer to provide a panel of six doctors to an employee. From that panel, the claimant is required to pick his/her doctor. Once a doctor is chosen then the doctor becomes the treating doctor for the claim. Georgia Law is limited in changing doctors from this point.

5. Many people settle their cases without knowing the real value of the claim. Anyone suffering a work-related injury should consult with an experienced workers’ comp. lawyer in order to get a legal opinion as to the value of his or her case.

6. Some people go to a hearing without an attorney. They do not know the insurance company will always be represented by a lawyer. They also do not know their case may involve technicalities. Their workers’ comp. case can be lost over these technicalities, so without having a lawyer who understands these technicalities, an injured employee is at a serious disadvantage at a hearing.

7. A very common mistake is that many people believe that the claims adjusters or the insurance company nurse case manager is working for them. They don’t realize that the adjuster or nurse case manager is working against them and any statements they make can be used against them.

8. Many injured workers do not realize that insurance adjusters may continue to investigate a claim even after the claim has been established as a workers’ comp claim. For example, if the claimant is on compensation for "chronic pain," the insurers will often have the claimant secretly videotaped hoping to show the claimant doing activities demonstrating he/she is not disabled.

9. Many injured workers do not realize that once they are released to light-duty work the insurers will try to have them put on light-duty work. If the injured worker is offered light-duty work and refuses his weekly benefits, he may be suspended. It is critically important for an injured worker to consult with an attorney when this happens so that he or she understands his or her legal rights.

Many of these mistakes can be avoided if the injured worker consults early on with an attorney who specializes in Georgia Workers’ Compensation law. James Murphy has been rated "BV" by Martindale-Hubbell oct. This rating is an indication of an exemplary reputation and well-established practice with an ethics rating noting adherence to professional standards of conduct and ethics, reliability, diligence, and other criteria relevant to the discharge of professional responsibility.

Oconee County Deputy in Critical Condition After Struck When Directing School Traffic

Deputy David Gilstrap was listed in critical condition yesterday (Thursday, October 9) after being struck by a car when directing elementary school traffic in Oconee County. According to Chris Sweigart of the 11 Alive website, the driver stopped to help after hitting the Sheriff’s Deputy in front of Oconee Primary School on Hog Mountain Road. At the time of the report, Gilstrap was on life support and in critical condition at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Athens, Georgia.

We represent clients who have faced the trauma of sustaining serious injuries in pedestrian accidents, and we wish Deputy Gilstrap a fast and full recovery.  In cases such as this, two types of claims are possible.  Since Deputy Gilstrap was injured at work, a workers' compensation claim could potentially be made to cover his medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.  The deputy was injured due to the pedestrian accident, however, making it possible for him to file a personal injury claim.  Our law firm handles workers’ compensation cases and pedestrian accident cases such as this. If you have been injured on the job or on foot, please feel free to call us at 770-577-3020 for free answers to any questions you may have.