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As public outcry and anger increased, labor rights protests across the country grew. A few months later, Wisconsin published the first known workers’ compensation law in the U.S., and other states followed suit. Today, we have rights that employees at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and their families did not. It’s a comfort for many employees, but it’s not a perfect system. In fact, it seems like workers’ compensation in Georgia is stripped of more rights with every legislative session. For instance, the length of time it takes for a workers’ compensation case to travel through the court system is detrimental. As people wait years for proper compensation for treatment, they are left with tremendous stress and continued damage. Furthermore, I struggle with some of the decisions judges make regarding day-to-day work. I recently read about a case in which a telephone highline worker was paralyzed after a fall, but because he didn’t use one device and instead relied on a technique every worker used to rappel off the pole, the court determined he was not owed additional compensation. That’s not right in my opinion. This man PASSENGERS HAVE RIGHTS What You Need to Know After an Accident as a Passenger You probably don’t think about the potential risks or dangers of riding as the passenger in someone else’s car — that is, until an accident occurs. The fact is, as a passenger, you are more vulnerable. You not only have to trust that other drivers will act safely and responsibly, but you also have to trust your friend or relative as they drive. However, when an accident does occur and a passenger sustains injuries as a result, they are almost always entitled to some form of compensation for their injuries. (Complications can arise when someone who is not covered by your insurance drives your vehicle and is in an accident.)
did his job, and he did so in a way that was common. He deserves payment for his injuries.
Imagine if employers in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory or other shoddy employers were held to that same standard? Imagine if we made it easier for injured Georgia workers to get the compensation they deserve? That’s what our workers’ compensation laws need, and after nearly 100 years and countless adaptations to these laws, it’s time we protected more workers.
pause. After all, most people don’t want to sue their friends, parents, or siblings. Luckily, that’s not exactly how it works!
When you’re in an accident as a driver, and the other driver is at fault, your attorney will seek damages from the other driver’s insurance company, not the driver personally. This works the same way for passengers. So, while your friend or relative may be at-fault for the accident, they won’t be on the hook for your bills. Instead, this will be footed by the insurance company. The only impact a driver may experience is an increase in car insurance payments as a result of the accident. This would happen regardless of whether you were in the vehicle or not. There is a stipulation, though. In Georgia, there are some restrictions with family members. For instance, a passenger may be restricted in seeking compensation for damages from a closely related family member’s insurance company after an accident. The standard for this can vary; we have represented a client in a case where compensation was sought from their sibling’s insurance company.
The best way to protect yourself after an accident — whether you are the driver or the passenger — is to seek legal assistance. At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., our team has experience managing these complex cases. Please contact us today for a free consultation or for more information.
The thought of seeking compensation after a friend
is in an accident with you in the passenger
seat can give some people
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