Recently in Workers Compensation Category

June 11, 2013

Jose Castro Killed in Tractor Trailer Accident at Rockmart Landfill; Tragedy May Lead to Tighter Tractor Trailer Safety Regulations

Truck Warning.jpg33-year-old Jose Castro, of Douglasville, was killed in a Monday morning tractor trailer accident at the Rockmart Landfill. The tragic incident, which may escalate to a multi-million dollar claim, is expected by some to throw a needed spotlight on Georgia tractor trailer safety regulations.

According to Polk County Police, Mr. Castro was walking outside of his tractor trailer truck at the Grady Road Landfill in Rockmart when another tractor trailer pinned him between the two trucks. Mr. Castro succumbed to his fatal injuries at the scene.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this tragedy and believe it could potentially impact future Georgia safety regulations. Investigators are questioning what factors, such as distraction, impairment, failed safety sensors, or mechanical malfunction, may have lead to this tragedy.

Should the driver of the other tractor trailer be found at fault in this accident, Mr. Castro's family may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for his wrongful death. Additionally, as it appears Mr. Castro was working at the time of his death, his family is almost certainly entitled to workers' compensation benefits as per Georgia Workers' Compensation Law. Further claims may also be filed with the truck manufacturers should some sort of catastrophic malfunction or lack of safety sensor have lead to this incident. Given the complexity of this case, it is crucial that Mr. Castro's family retain a law firm experienced in both workers' compensation and personal injury as soon as practicable to ensure that their best interests are protected. Though compensation is certainly not of importance to a grieving family, such a substantial claim would demand Georgia truck drivers, legislators and manufacturers reevaluate current safety regulations to prevent future tragedies, such as this from, occurring.

Unfortunately, all too often insurance companies and truck companies are more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than providing victims and their families what they rightfully deserve. Photographs and an inspection of both trucks and the scene will need to be retained immediately before any repairs can be made or evidence destroyed. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting families of catastrophic truck accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

June 11, 2013

Richard Jones Critically Injured in Port Wentworth Construction Accident

PortWentworth Accident.jpg35-year-old Richard Jones, of Rincon, was critically injured while working at a construction site along Jimmy Deloach Parkway and Highway 21 in Port Wentworth Friday afternoon.

According to Port Wentworth Police, Mr. Jones was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for critical injuries following an accident at the construction site where he was working. He remains in critical condition.

The accident occurred as OSHA released its 2012 report on Georgia workplace accidents and fatalities. The report highlighted the dangers highway contractors and construction workers often face on a daily basis.

Workers Compensation Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this accident and believe Mr. Jones and his family are almost certainly entitled to workers compensation benefits per Georgia Workers' Compensation laws. In addition to compensation available under the workers compensation code, Mr. Jones may have an additional claim against the owner and operator of the equipment involved in the accident. Further Mr. Jones and his family may also have a potential claim against the manufacturer of the equipment, should it be found to have had some form of catastrophic malfunction, contributing to the accident. Photographs and a thorough inspection will need to be made without delay, before equipment is moved or repaired. It is important that Mr. Jones and his family retain an experienced workers' compensation attorney immediately to assist them with this complex claim and protect their best interests. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often more concerned with limiting financial exposure than providing victims and families what they rightfully deserve. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims and families of construction accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

June 4, 2013

Community Mourns Loss of Jack 'Red' Young, Killed in Dawsonville Machinery Accident; Family May Hold Manufacturer Liable for Catastrophic Equipment Malfunction

Lifelong Dawson County resident, Jack 'Red' Young, was killed in a machinery accident Saturday afternoon.

According to Police reports, Mr. Young was working in his downtown Dawsonville shop around 3:00pm Saturday when he became trapped inside a Bobcat loader. Mr. Young tragically perished from his injuries.

As Mr. Young's family and the Dawsonville community mourn his passing, investigators at The Murray Law firm are questioning whether a catastrophic equipment malfunction of the Bobcat loader lead to this horrific accident.

Unfortunately, the CDC warns fatalities and injuries due to skid steer loaders are all too common. As such, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) "requires employers to protect workers from hazards associated with operating and maintaining these machines."

Should a catastrophic equipment malfunction have lead to this terrible incident, the family of Mr. Young may elect to hold the Bobcat manufacturer liable for his wrongful death. Such a substantial claim would send a clearly needed message to all loader manufacturers on the cruciality of implementing proper safety precautions to stop these unnecessary injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Further, as Mr. Young was working at the time of this accident, his family may be entitled to Workers' Compensation benefits under Georgia law.

It is important that Mr. Young's family retain an experienced personal injury and workers' compensation lawyer to assist them with this complex claim, as pictures and an inspection of the machinery will need to be obtained. If photographs and an inspection are not obtained before repairs are made, the value of the case may decrease significantly. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience protecting families in cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Young. Anyone seeking further information on this accident is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

April 2, 2013

I-575 Ambulance Accident Injures Patient, EMS Medics; Victims May Hold Ambulance Company Liable for Injuries

An I-575 ambulance accident in Canton, GA left two EMS medics injured and further-injured a patient being transported to the hospital early Sunday morning.

Ambulance Crash.jpgCherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to an ambulance accident just after 2:00am Sunday morning. According to reports, the ambulance was headed northbound on I-575, near the 140 exit, when it swerved off the roadway, crashing into the tree line. A 22-year-old patient already en route to the hospital was reportedly thrown from the back of the vehicle, suffering further injuries. The 32- and 48-year-old EMS medics were also injured in the crash. All three occupants were transported to Kennestone Hospital.

According to attorneys at The Murray Law Firm, both the passenger and medics in this accident may have claims against AmeriMed. The passenger in this incident may elect to hold the ambulance company civilly liable for any injuries sustained in the crash if the driver of the vehicle is found to have been at fault in causing the incident. In addition, he may hold the company liable for any original medical issues exacerbated by the accident. As both medics were working at the time of the incident, they are almost certainly entitled to workers compensation claims under Georgia Workers Compensation law. Total financial recovery for the three victims could be a substantial sum. Unfortunately, insurance companies and business owners are all too often more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than providing victims the compensation they rightfully deserve. As such, all victims in this incident should retain a law firm experienced in personal injury and workers compensation without delay to ensure that all evidence is properly preserved and their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience protecting clients in complex cases such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If you are seeking further information about this accident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

March 28, 2013

Truck Driver Killed in I-85 Tractor Trailer Accident; Trucking Company May Owe Family Millions for Loss

A tractor trailer truck driver was killed early Thursday morning on I-85 North in Troup County, GA. As details of this accident continue to develop, the tragedy illuminates the need for drivers to share the road with tractor trailers.

According to initial reports, a tractor trailer headed northbound on I-85, just north of Kia Boulevard in Troup County, GA, swerved off the roadway and crashed into the woodline. The driver was killed. The incident occurred around 7:30am.

The accident serves as a grave reminder for all drivers to share the road with tractor trailer trucks. Automobile drivers are often unaware of the risks of changing lanes too closely or quickly in front of tractor trailers. Road debris is also especially hazardous to tractor trailer drivers. As trucks are significantly heavier than most other vehicles on the road, it takes them much longer to safely slow down or stop.

Attorneys with The Murray Law Firm are investigating whether another driver or a mechanical error, such as a brake malfunction, lead to this accident. If this incident occurred while the truck driver was working, the driver's family will almost certainly be entitled to substantial compensation under Georgia workers' compensation laws. In addition to compensation available under the workers compensation code, the victim's family may have additional claims against the manufacturer and owner of the truck, should it be found to have suffered a catastrophic malfunction which lead to the driver's death. It is important that the family retain an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to assist them with this complex claim, as pictures and an inspection of the vehicle will need to be obtained. If photographs and an inspection are not obtained before repairs are made, the value of the case may decrease significantly. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience protecting families in cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

Anyone seeking further information on this accident is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

March 13, 2013

OSHA Investigates Death of Brian Charles Parker, Employee Killed in Savannah River Tug Boat Accident; Dock Safety Hazards Called into Question

20-year-old Brian Charles Parker was killed while working on the Crescent Towing pier on the Savannah River Wednesday morning, March 6.

Mr. Parker was working around a tug boat on the Crescent Towing pier over the Savannah River Wednesday morning when he disappeared from view. According to initial reports, he was found floating between the boat and dock around 9:30am. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is leading the investigation into Mr. Parker's death.

The Murray Law Firm is investigating whether dock safety hazards, such as loose or wet boards, or faulty equipment contributed to his tragic death. As this incident occurred while Mr. Parker was working at the time of his death, his family will almost certainly be entitled to significant compensation under Georgia workers' compensation laws. In addition to compensation available under the workers compensation code, the victim's family may have additional claims against the property owner, should conditions such as loose or missing boards, be found to have contributed to the accident. The family may also file claims against the manufacturer of any equipment Mr. Parker was using at the time of his death, should it be found to have suffered a catastrophic malfunction, which lead to his death. It is important that the family immediately retain an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to assist them with this complex claim, as pictures and an inspection of the dock and equipment will need to be obtained. If photographs and an inspection are not obtained before repairs are made, the value of the case may decrease significantly.

The Murray Law Firm is investigating this tragic incident and has represented many families in cases such as this one. "We have, unfortunately, all too often seen the value of these claims compromised as a consequence of a failure to quickly secure the assistance of an attorney. Insurance companies are concerned with limiting their financial exposure, and without a lawyer protecting the interests of these families, insurance companies work quickly to eliminate evidence detrimental to their interests. We hope that the family's interests in this tragedy will be adequately protected."

Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Parker and we offer our legal assistance, if needed. Anyone seeking further information on this accident is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

March 13, 2013

Construction Accidents Account for Most Workers Compensation Injuries in Georgia

As a Georgia Workers Compensation and Personal Injury Law Firm, we are constantly reviewing statistics and data to evaluate where workers in Georgia are most at risk to sustain a work injury. By doing so, we feel that we are better prepared to assist our Clients when they contact us to seek the assistance of an attorney. A review of recent data has revealed some very interesting information.

Upper Extremity Work Injury.jpgAt the outset, workplace injury data shows that over 4 million workers throughout the county incur a work injury each year. Of those work accidents, over 2 million employees suffer an injury that is so severe that they are required to miss time and seek medical attention. Most injuries occur at companies whose workforce is less than 250, and small businesses of less than 10 people are less likely to have an employee injured.

Although the economy has slowed the pace of construction in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, as work accident attorneys we are always interested in how susceptible our construction worker Clients are to injury. Workplace injury data shows that the construction industry is a highly dangerous field, with 16 deaths per year for every 100,000 workers. This amounts to 20% of all work related deaths per year. Most of these work accident deaths are caused by car accidents, heavy equipment, and falls. A large portion of our workers compensation practice is devoted to representing Hispanic workers, and we were also interested to learn that Hispanics are injured on construction sites at a greater rate than any other demographic.

March 12, 2013

1 Killed, 2 Injured in I-285 Multi Vehicle Accident; Two Tractor Trailers Involved in Fatal I-285 Crash

A 5-vehicle accident on I-285 killed at least one person and left two others injured Tuesday afternoon.

Fulton County Police report the accident occurred on I-285 near Washington Road just before 3:30pm Tuesday. At least five vehicles, including two tractor trailer trucks were involved in the accident.

According to initial reports, the accident began when a ladder fell in the middle of the highway, striking a car. The car stopped and a semi-truck driver behind the car swerved to avoid hitting it. A tractor trailer truck driving behind the semi then swerved to avoid hitting the semi-truck and hit three cars, including the car which was originally struck by the ladder. The driver of that car was killed. At least one person was transported to the hospital for injuries while another was treated and released at the scene.

As multiple vehicles and tractor trailer trucks were involved in this horrific accident, injured victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars to assist with medical expenses, damage and losses. In addition, victims who were working at the time of the accident, such as the tractor trailer truck drivers, will likely be entitled to substantial workers' compensation under Georgia law.

Insurance coverage will certainly be limited, given the number of victims and damages. The family of the victim killed in this tragedy, as well as the injured victims, should retain an experienced law firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is preserved and their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm specializes in cases such as this and offers legal expertise, if needed.

If you have any information on this accident or are seeking information, please contact our legal hotline toll free at 888-842-1616.

February 28, 2013

UPDATE: Manuel Aguirre Killed in Alpharetta Construction Accident

UPDATE: Police have released the name of the construction worker killed in the tragic Wednesday afternoon accident. 40-year-old Manuel Aguirre was working as a subcontractor for Fulton County's water main project when he was struck by a backhoe at the construction site.

Attorneys at the Murray Law Firm are now investigating this tragic and complex case.

Original Article:

An Alpharetta construction accident claimed the life of a pipe line worker Wednesday afternoon.

Police shut down the intersection of McGinnis Ferry Road and Windward Concourse in Alpharetta Wednesday afternoon, following the fatal accident of a pipe line construction worker.

Construction crews from the Fulton County Water Resources Department have been working in the area on a $1.24 million water main project, which is expected to be completed in August.

According to initial reports, the victim appears to be in his 40s and was a subcontractor from D&H Construction, working for Fulton County. He was laying pipe when a backhoe backed into him.

Police and OSHA will need to complete investigations to determine the cause of this tragic incident.

As the victim was working at the time of his death, his family will almost certainly be entitled to significant compensation under Georgia workers' compensation laws. In addition to compensation available under the workers compensation code, the victim's family may have an additional claim against the owner and operator of the backhoe should the owner or operator of the backhoe be unrelated to D&H Construction. The family may also have a potential claim against the manufacturer of the backhoe, should it be found to have had some form of catastrophic malfunction, contributing to the accident. It is important that the family immediately retain a lawyer to assist them with this claim, as pictures and an inspection of the machine will need to be obtained before the machine is repaired. If photographs and an inspection are not obtained before the machine is fixed, the value of the case may decrease significantly.

The Murray Law Firm is investigating this tragic incident and has represented many families in cases such as this one. "We have, unfortunately, all too often seen the value of these claims compromised as a consequence of a failure to quickly secure the assistance of an attorney. Insurance companies are concerned with limiting their financial exposure, and without a lawyer protecting the interests of these families, insurance companies work quickly to eliminate evidence detrimental to their interests. We hope that the family's interests in this tragedy will be adequately protected."

Our prayers are with the family of the victim and we offer our legal assistance, if needed. Anyone seeking further information on this accident is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

February 27, 2013

Alpharetta Pipe Line Worker Killed in Fatal Construction Accident

An Alpharetta construction accident claimed the life of a pipe line worker Wednesday afternoon.

Police shut down the intersection of McGinnis Ferry Road and Windward Concourse in Alpharetta Wednesday afternoon, following the fatal accident of a pipe line construction worker.

Construction crews from the Fulton County Water Resources Department have been working in the area on a $1.24 million water main project, which is expected to be completed in August.

According to initial reports, the victim appears to be in his 40s and was a subcontractor from D&H Construction, working for Fulton County. He was laying pipe when a backhoe backed into him.

Police and OSHA will need to complete investigations to determine the cause of this tragic incident.

As the victim was working at the time of his death, his family will almost certainly be entitled to significant compensation under Georgia workers' compensation laws. In addition to compensation available under the workers compensation code, the victim's family may have an additional claim against the owner and operator of the backhoe should the owner or operator of the backhoe be unrelated to D&H Construction. The family may also have a potential claim against the manufacturer of the backhoe, should it be found to have had some form of catastrophic malfunction, contributing to the accident. It is important that the family immediately retain a lawyer to assist them with this claim, as pictures and an inspection of the machine will need to be obtained before the machine is repaired. If photographs and an inspection are not obtained before the machine is fixed, the value of the case may decrease significantly.

The Murray Law Firm is investigating this tragic incident and has represented many families in cases such as this one. "We have, unfortunately, all too often seen the value of these claims compromised as a consequence of a failure to quickly secure the assistance of an attorney. Insurance companies are concerned with limiting their financial exposure, and without a lawyer protecting the interests of these families, insurance companies work quickly to eliminate evidence detrimental to their interests. We hope that the family's interests in this tragedy will be adequately protected."

Our prayers are with the family of the victim and we offer our legal assistance, if needed. Anyone seeking further information on this accident is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

February 13, 2013

J. L. Williams of Cordele Critically Injured in Train Accident; Investigators Explore Possible Equipment Malfunction

JL WILLIAMS.jpgAn Advanced Disposal employee, J. L. Williams of Cordele, was struck and critically injured by a train this morning while driving a front end loader.

According to initial reports, Mr. Williams was struck by a train this morning while driving a front end loader, used for for collecting debris. The accident occurred at the 22nd Avenue railroad crossing between 6th and 7th streets around 10am.

When Cordele emergency responders arrived on scene they discovered Mr. Williams had been ejected from the front end loader and was laying between two sets of tracks. He was taken to Crisp Regional Hospital for serious injuries.

Mr. Williams' sister, Freddie Mae Lewis, told the Cordele Dispatch he has "suffered multiple lacerations to the head, arms, hands and legs including a large gash on the side of his thigh." He remains in stable, but critical condition.

Mr. Williams has served 20 years in his position, originally with the City of Cordele, then with Veolia once the city contracted out waste management services, and now with Advanced Disposal who recently purchased Veolia.

As this accident occurred while Mr. Williams was working as an Advanced Disposal employee, he will almost certainly be entitled to significant compensation under Georgia workers' compensation laws. In addition to compensation available under the workers compensation code, Mr. Williams' may have additional claims against the train operator and the manufacturer of the front end loader, should it be found to have had some form of catastrophic malfunction, contributing to the accident. It is important that the family immediately retain a lawyer to assist them with this claim, as pictures and an inspection of the machine will need to be obtained before the machine is repaired. If photographs and an inspection are not obtained before the machine is fixed, the value of the case may decrease significantly.

The Murray Law Firm is investigating this horrific incident and has represented many employees in cases such as this one. "We have, unfortunately, all too often seen the value of these claims compromised as a consequence of a failure to quickly secure the assistance of an attorney. Insurance companies are concerned with limiting their financial exposure, and without a lawyer protecting the interests of these families, insurance companies work quickly to eliminate evidence detrimental to their interests. We hope that the interests of Mr. Williams and his family will be adequately protected."

Anyone seeking further information on this horrific Advanced Disposal employee accident is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

February 13, 2013

School Police Officer Renaldo Jimenez Struck by Car Outside Lanier High School; Driver May Be Held Liable for Officer's Serious Injuries

jimenez.jpgOfficer Renaldo Jimenez, an 11-year veteran of the Gwinnett County Schools Police Department is listed in serious condition this morning after being struck by a car while directing traffic outside Lanier High School.

According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, Officer Renaldo Jimenez was directing traffic on Buford Highway outside Lanier High School around 6:45am Wednesday morning when he stopped traffic to allow northbound vehicles into the parent pickup zone of the school. A car driving southbound on Buford Highway failed to stop, striking the officer and another vehicle. Officer Jimenez was pinned underneath the second vehicle by his legs.

Officer Jimenez is being treated for his injuries at a local hospital and is currently listed in serious condition.

Gwinnett Police report charges are pending for the driver who hit Officer Jimenez. The second driver, who pinned Officer Jimenez, is a student and will not face charges.

As there was a posted school zone speed limit and officer Jimenez was wearing a reflective traffic vest at the time he was struck, attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating whether distraction was a factor in the driver's failure to stop.

As the driver in this accident may be at fault and facing criminal charges, Officer Jimenez may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for his significant injuries. In addition, as Officer Jimenez was working at the time of the accident, he will almost certainly be entitled to significant compensation under Georgia workers' compensation laws. Total financial recovery could possibly be valued at hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. Such a claim would send a much needed message to all Gwinnett County drivers about the importance of practicing extra caution in school zones as well as the perils of distracted driving.

We pray for the recovery of Officer Jimenez and offer our legal expertise, if needed. If you are seeking further information on this accident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

February 7, 2013

UPDATE: Clayton and Josephine Warnock, Michael Smith, and Joel Moore Killed in Interstate 16 Crash; Tanker Driver and Several Others Injured

UPDATE: The Georgia State Patrol has released the names of the four victims who died in a 27 vehicle accident on Wednesday morning on Interstate 16.

Michael Jarome Smith of Covington, Joel E. Moore of Clyo, and Clayton and Josephine Warnock of Dublin, were killed in the morning crash.

Several others, including the driver of an empty tanker truck, which exploded, are being treated for injuries at Fairview Park Hospital.

27 car pileup.jpgEast and westbound lanes of I-16 were closed for several hours Wednesday as dense fog and smoke from a tanker truck explosion caused a deadly series of accidents, leaving 4 dead and 9 injured.

The accidents began just after 8:00am during the Wednesday morning rush hour commute on I-16 westbound, near the Bleckley and Laurens County lines. Smoke from a tanker trunk explosion, coupled with a dense fog advisory of less than a quarter mile of visibility, created a deadly scenario for rush hour drivers.

According to Twiggs County authorities, two tractor trailers caught fire and one exploded. Emergency crews responded from Twiggs, Bleckley, Laurens, and Wilkinson counties. Hazardous materials were involved, requiring all rescue personnel to initially wear HazMat gear.

In all, seven tractor trailer trucks and 20 other vehicles were involved in the massive I-16 pileup. Traffic was halted in both directions between mile markers 34-37 as injured drivers were transported from the scene to Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin.

The Georgia State Patrol reported 4 dead and 9 injured in total. While eastbound lanes reopened at 12:30pm, emergency crews continue to clear the scene in westbound lanes.

As multiple vehicles and tractor trailer trucks were involved in this horrific accident, injured victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars to assist with medical expenses and losses. In addition, victims who were working at the time of the accident, such as Joel Moore and the many tractor trailer truck drivers, will likely be entitled to substantial workers' compensation under Georgia law.

Insurance coverage will certainly be limited, given the sheer number of victims and damages. The families of Mr. Moore, Mr. Smith, and Mr. and Ms. Warnock, as well as the many other injured victims, should retain an experienced law firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is preserved and their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm specializes in cases such as this and offers legal expertise, if needed.

If you have any information on this accident or are seeking information, please contact our legal hotline toll free at 888-842-1616.

February 6, 2013

Fatal 27 Car Pileup on Georgia I-16 Leaves 4 Dead and 9 Injured; Tractor Trailer Explosion and Dense Fog Shutdown East and Westbound Lanes

27 car pileup.jpgEast and westbound lanes of I-16 were closed for several hours Wednesday as dense fog and smoke from a tanker truck explosion caused a deadly series of accidents, leaving 4 dead and 9 injured.

The accidents began just after 8:00am during the Wednesday morning rush hour commute on I-16 westbound, near the Bleckley and Laurens County lines. Smoke from a tanker trunk explosion, coupled with a dense fog advisory of less than a quarter mile of visibility, created a deadly scenario for rush hour drivers.

According to Twiggs County authorities, two tractor trailers caught fire and one exploded. Emergency crews responded from Twiggs, Bleckley, Laurens, and Wilkinson counties. Hazardous materials were involved, requiring all rescue personnel to initially wear HazMat gear.

In all, seven tractor trailer trucks and 20 other vehicles were involved in the massive I-16 pileup. Traffic was halted in both directions between mile markers 34-37 as injured drivers were transported from the scene to Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin.

The Georgia State Patrol reported 3 dead and 9 injured in total. While eastbound lanes reopened at 12:30pm, emergency crews continue to clear the scene in westbound lanes.

As multiple vehicles and tractor trailer trucks were involved in this horrific accident, injured victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars to assist with medical expenses and losses. In addition, those working during the time of this accident, such as the several tractor trailer truck drivers, would likely be entitled to substantial workers' compensation claims for their injuries. Our prayers are with the victims and families involved in this tragic accident and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If you have any information on this accident or are seeking information, please contact our legal hotline toll free at 888-842-1616.

January 23, 2013

Josh Roberts of Woodstock Killed in Forklift Accident at Little River Marina; OSHA Investigates Cause of Workplace Tragedy

21-year-old Josh Roberts, a Little River Marina employee, was killed in a workplace forklift accident Wednesday morning in Canton, GA.

little river marina.jpgCherokee County police were called to Little River Marina, near Lake Allatoona, at 11:19am Wednesday morning. Mr. Roberts perished at the scene before police arrived in what appears to be a forklift accident.

Police detectives and representatives from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) are conducting investigations to determine the cause of the accident. Lt. Jay Baker, of the Cherokee Sheriff's Office, reports, "At this time, there's no foul play suspected."

As Mr. Roberts was working at the time of his death, his family will almost certainly be entitled to significant compensation under Georgia workers' compensation laws. In addition to compensation available under the workers compensation code, Mr. Robert's family may have additional claims against the manufacturer of the forklift, should it be found to have had some form of catastrophic malfunction, contributing to the accident. It is important that the family immediately retain a lawyer to assist them with this claim, as pictures and an inspection of the machine will need to be obtained before the machine is repaired. If photographs and an inspection are not obtained before the machine is fixed, the value of the case may decrease significantly.

The Murray Law Firm is investigating this tragic incident and has represented many families in cases such as this one. "We have, unfortunately, all too often seen the value of these claims compromised as a consequence of a failure to quickly secure the assistance of an attorney. Insurance companies are concerned with limiting their financial exposure, and without a lawyer protecting the interests of these families, insurance companies work quickly to eliminate evidence detrimental to their interests. We hope that the family's interests in this tragedy will be adequately protected."

Our prayers are with the family of Josh Roberts and we offer our legal assistance, if needed. Anyone seeking further information on this tragic accident is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.