Why Choose Our Lafayette Construction Accident Lawyer?
In 2022, a total of 120 workers lost their lives to fatal workplace accidents in Louisiana, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In total, 37 of those fatalities occurred within the construction industry.
The construction industry is especially dangerous because there is so much potential for things to go wrong when working at high heights, operating heavy equipment, and working with exposure to the elements.
If you or someone you love works in construction and was injured or killed on the job, you need to understand how the law protects you and what your options are for recovering benefits. Anderson Blanda & Saltzman can help. Our Lafayette injury lawyers know Louisiana laws on workplace injuries inside and out and will work with you to explore all your options for maximizing the compensation you receive.
If you’re ready to have a compassionate and dedicated legal advocate on your side, give us a call today at (337) 233-3366. Our firm charges no legal fees unless you win, and your initial consultation is always free so reach out now to find out how we can put our 100+ years of collective legal experience to work for you.
Common Causes of Construction Injuries
Many different kinds of workplace injuries happen on construction sites. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicates that certain safety violations are especially likely to put workers at risk of serious harm.
According to OSHA, the most frequently violated safety rules include:
- Failure to comply with fall protection requirements
- Breaches in ladder safety
- Problems with scaffolding on construction sites
- Inadequate fall protection training
- Failure to use eye and face protection
In total, half of all of the most frequently violated safety regulations impact the construction industry.
OSHA has also indicated that four specific types of incidents — called the Fatal Four or Focus Four — are also the most common causes of harm to workers on construction sites. The Fatal Four, or top causes of construction worker deaths at work, include:
- Falls
- Becoming caught between objects
- Being struck by objects
- Electrocution
Sadly, with the right training, the proper equipment, and strict adherence to safety rules, many of the biggest risks workers face could be avoided — and construction workers could see a significantly reduced risk of death or serious injury on the job. Yet, construction sites remain dangerous places, and workers in the industry still face greater risks than those in most other professions.
Injuries Suffered on Construction Sites
Construction workers who experience falls, being struck by or caught between objects, electrocution, or other accidents on work sites may experience many different kinds of injuries. Here are some of the most common health issues that workers in this field develop after something goes wrong:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Limb loss
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burn injuries
- Lacerations
In any situation where a construction worker experiences an injury directly tied to the job, that worker should be able to obtain benefits. This can include repetitive stress injuries that develop over time as a result of lifting heavy objects or doing the same motions over and over.
If a construction worker is exposed to something that causes illness, such as asbestos or dangerous chemicals at work, this is also considered a work-related health issue that can result in eligibility for workers’ comp benefits.
Who is Responsible for Construction Accident Injuries?
When construction accidents happen, Louisiana Workers’ Compensation laws apply. This means workers cannot pursue a personal injury claim against the company employing them but can pursue a workers’ compensation claim regardless of the negligence or wrongdoing of their employer.
Most employers must buy workers’ compensation coverage, which pays for any damages an employee sustains on the job. Damages should be covered in virtually all cases when the harm was related to work duties — as long as the employee didn’t intentionally harm themselves or engage in certain behaviors that are clearly against policy, such as starting a physical fight.
Workers’ compensation pays for:
- Medical bills for treating the work injury
- Loss of wages, after a seven-day waiting period — although if the worker is out for more than 14 days, then benefits are paid for the waiting period as well, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
- Temporary full or partial disability benefits in situations where work-related injuries impair your ability to work
- Permanent full or partial disability benefits if the work injury prevents construction workers from performing job tasks
- Death benefits if a worker is killed while doing work duties.
Unlike in a personal injury claim, workers cannot get compensation for things like pain and suffering. In some cases, however, an experienced attorney can help construction workers identify third-party defendants who could be held liable in a personal injury claim.
For example, if faulty machinery or equipment malfunctions cause harm, it may be possible to pursue a product liability claim. You would need to be able to prove the product caused damage when used as intended, that you were not warned of the dangers of the equipment, or that there was a breach of express or implied warranty that resulted in your injuries.
It’s always best to reach out to a work injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident on a construction site, as your attorney can help you make your claim with your employer and identify any other potential defendants who could be liable for covering additional losses.
Get Legal Help After a Construction Accident in Lafayette, Call Us Today
A Lafayette construction accident lawyer at Anderson Blanda & Saltzman will guide you as you navigate both the workers’ compensation system and the civil justice system if you or someone you love is hurt or killed on a construction site.
Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of collective experience to your case and we have helped many injured workers get the compensation they deserve. We don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case and your claim evaluation is always free so give us a call today at (337) 233-3366 to speak with a Lafayette work accident lawyer who can help you.