Louisiana

Construction

accident lawyer

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Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments, and Louisiana is no exception. With its bustling construction industry, the state sees a significant number of workplace injuries and fatalities each year. At Walter Gabriel Accident & Injury Lawyers we are dedicated to helping injured workers and passersby navigate the legal complexities of construction accident claims. Below, we provide an in-depth look at the dangers faced by Louisiana’s construction workers, common OSHA violations, and the legal options available to victims.

The Dangers of Louisiana Construction Sites

For Workers

Louisiana construction workers face numerous hazards daily, including:

  • Falls from Heights: Falls are the leading cause of construction fatalities, accounting for 34.1% of all construction-related deaths in 2021. Workers often operate on scaffolding, ladders, and roofs without adequate fall protection.
  • Struck-by Objects: Falling tools, debris, or moving vehicles can cause severe injuries or fatalities. In 2021, 8.4% of construction fatalities were due to struck-by incidents.
  • Electrocutions: Contact with live wires or faulty electrical equipment is a significant risk, contributing to 8.5% of construction fatalities.
  • Caught-in/Between Hazards: Workers can be crushed by machinery, equipment, or collapsing structures, leading to catastrophic injuries.
  • Toxic Exposure: Hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and silica can cause long-term health issues, including respiratory diseases and cancer.

For Passersby

Construction sites also pose risks to pedestrians and nearby residents. Common dangers include:

  • Falling debris or equipment.
  • Unsafe road conditions near construction zones.
  • Exposure to hazardous materials or dust.
  • Accidents involving construction vehicles entering or exiting sites.

Common OSHA Violations in Louisiana

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety standards to protect workers, but violations are frequent. In Louisiana, the most common OSHA violations include:

  1. Failure to Provide Fall Protection: Employers often neglect to install guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems, leading to preventable injuries and deaths.
  2. Inadequate Scaffolding: Unsafe scaffolding construction and use are a leading cause of accidents.
  3. Lack of Hazard Communication: Employers may fail to properly label hazardous materials or provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), putting workers at risk of toxic exposure.
  4. Improper Use of Ladders: Ladders that are not secured or used incorrectly contribute to falls and injuries.
  5. Defective Equipment: Malfunctioning machinery or tools can cause severe accidents, often due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects.

Louisiana Construction Accident Statistics

  • In 2021, Louisiana recorded 27 fatal construction injuries, a higher-than-average rate compared to other states.
  • Nationwide, construction accounted for 21% of all workplace fatalities in 2021, with falls being the most common cause.
  • The construction industry’s fatality rate in 2021 was 9.8 per 100,000 full-time workers, significantly higher than the average for all industries.

Legal Options for Injured Workers and Passersby

Workers’ Compensation

In Louisiana, most injured construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation, which provides benefits for medical expenses and partial wage replacement without the need to prove fault.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

If a third party (e.g., equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or property owners) is responsible for the accident, injured workers or passersby may file a personal injury lawsuit. This can result in compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future).
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

Wrongful Death Claims

Families of workers or passersby who lose their lives in construction accidents may pursue wrongful death claims to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident

  1. Report the Incident: Notify your employer immediately and ensure an accident report is filed.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, prompt medical care is crucial for your health and claim.
  3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, your injuries, and any hazards that contributed to the incident.
  4. Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from anyone who saw the accident.
  5. Contact an Attorney: A skilled construction accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your compensation.

Why Choose Walter Gabriel Accident & Injury Lawyers?

With decades of experience representing injured workers and passersby, Walter Gabriel Accident & Injury Lawyers  has a proven track record of securing fair compensation for our clients. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of construction accidents and are committed to fighting for your rights.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Louisiana construction accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you rebuild your life.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance on your case, consult a personal injury attorney Walter Gabriel Accident & Injury Lawyers.

When you’ve been involved in a Construction accident in Louisiana

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FAQ’s

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

Personal injury describes situations where a person sustains an injury by someone else’s fault, which is admittedly a very broad description, thus we attempt here to answer some personal injury FAQs. This occurs in car accidents, big truck accidents, on-the-job injuries, pedestrian accidents, shootings, and wrongful death cases, dog bites, and several other situations where people are injured at the fault of other people, businesses, or government agencies.

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