Accidents can happen at any time, and if you find yourself injured due to the actions or negligence of an employee of a company in Georgia, it’s crucial to know your rights and take appropriate legal steps. Whether you are injured in a wreck with a tractor-trailer, box truck, delivery van, or even an employee driving his personal vehicle on company time, there are many times a company is involved when their employee acts negligently. Off the road you may be injured by a construction worker, delivery driver, or a store clerk. Any time someone “on the clock” causes you to be injured, their employer may be liable. This blog post will provide a general overview of what you should do if you are injured by an employee, outlining the necessary actions to protect your interests and seek compensation for your damages.
- Seek Medical Attention: The first and most important step after sustaining an injury is to prioritize your health and well-being. Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Not only will this ensure you receive the necessary treatment, but it will also create an official record of your injuries, which can be crucial for your legal claim.
- Document the Incident: Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This may include taking photographs or videos of the accident scene, capturing any visible injuries, noting the names and contact information of witnesses, and preserving any relevant documents or records, such as incident reports or medical bills.
- Report the Incident: Notify the appropriate parties about the incident. Start by reporting the incident to the company where the employee works. Provide a detailed account of what happened and request a copy of the incident report. Additionally, if the incident occurred on someone else’s property, inform the property owner or manager as well.
- Understand Liability: In Georgia, the legal principle of “respondeat superior” holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees while performing job-related duties. This means that if an employee’s actions or negligence caused your injury within the scope of their employment, the employer may be held liable for your damages. An attorney can help determine the extent of liability and identify the responsible parties.
- Consult with an Experienced Attorney: To protect your legal rights and navigate the complex legal process, it is advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Georgia. They can help assess the strength of your case, guide you through the legal procedures, and advocate on your behalf for fair compensation.
When dealing with corporations, experience matters. Dealing with businesses often involves navigating through a complicated array of trade names and companies within companies. The bigger the company at issue, often the more complicated it is to find the right entity who is responsible for your injuries.
In addition to respondeat superior, often the business itself will be separately liable for negligence in failing to properly train and monitor their employee or for hiring someone they knew was dangerous for the job. Attorneys who are not experienced in dealing with businesses often miss these important claims that can add substantial value to your case.
It is important to know that businesses are aware of their liability for their employees’ negligence and they make it very hard to hold them accountable. Often they hide the responsible company in a mountain of affiliated entities, hide crucial evidence in a maze of computer networks, or shift assets from one company to another to make it appear that the company at fault for your injuries has no money to pay a judgment.
At Burrow & Associates, we have years of experience in navigating complex corporate structures to find the evidence needed to win your case and hold businesses that employ negligent people accountable for your injuries. If you have been injured by an employee of a company in Georgia, contact us today for a free consultation to learn how to protect your rights.
