An accident at a port on the Savannah River resulted in one worker’s death after an SUV the man was loading onto a vessel reportedly jumped off the ramp and fell into the water below.

A union representative said that the accident remains under investigation, and he did not release the name of the worker who died. It was not yet clear what exactly caused the vehicle to roll off the ramp in the first place.

Most common workplace injuries

Longshoremen have difficult and dangerous jobs, and there are a number of common injuries they suffer while performing their duties. These include broken and fractured bones, nerve damage, concussions, lacerations and dental damage. In the most severe cases, these accidents can involve long-term complications like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury, potentially causing a permanent disability for the worker.

If you are injured in a workplace accident, it’s important to never make a statement to an insurance agent about what happened until you have a chance to consult a lawyer. A legal professional will advise you on your best next steps, which may involve seeking monetary damages or filing a workers’ compensation claim — depending on the situation and the nature of your injuries.

You should also be sure that your employer is aware of the accident as soon as possible, and that you take note of anyone who may have witnessed it. It’s also important to seek medical attention right away, and keep good records of all the treatments you receive (and the associated costs).

For further information and guidance on how you should proceed after suffering an injury on the job, meet with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney at McMenamy Law LLC.