Workers Comp Lawyer in Baton Rouge Discusses Construction Site Injuries
The construction industry is an important U.S. employment sector. In fact, The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) reports that over 10 million Americans were employed in construction in 2016. Construction jobs offer great employment opportunities in Louisiana, especially as the Baton Rouge and surrounding regions continue to expand. With the area’s growth comes the need for builders and workers to construct new commercial buildings for businesses and residential developments for homeowners. However, construction sites can be dangerous places to work if proper safety protocols are not in place and supervised properly by the site manager and employer. Construction companies are responsible for implementing safety programs in these work environments to protect workers and others in the vicinity around the construction site. If you were injured on the job or lost a family member in a construction accident, a workers comp lawyer in Baton Rouge can help you recover fair compensation for your losses. The team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys has been representing workplace injury victims in Louisiana for nearly three decades. Our Baton Rouge personal injury law firm is well versed in workers compensation laws in Louisiana and we will fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
Construction Work Accidents Can Cause Severe and Life-Changing Injuries
Construction sites can present a range of hazardous situations because of the types of heavy equipment and machinery used. Struck by injuries from falling materials or tools, moving vehicles and equipment malfunctions or accidents are among the top sources of injuries in the construction field. According to CPWR data from 2011-2015, struck-by injuries caused the death of 804 construction workers, which is higher than any other U.S. industry. Of these struck-by accident fatalities, over half were the result of a piece of equipment or other object falling from above. These kinds of construction accidents can cause major head and neck trauma even if the worker is wearing a hardhat and appropriate safety gear. Spinal cord and brain injuries are extremely serious and can result in paralysis or other permanent disability or death. Improperly fastened tools and equipment have the potential to become detached and fall – running the risk of striking a worker below. Vehicle back over and crush injuries are also common in construction work zones. These accidents can happen if a worker is run over by a dump truck or large equipment vehicles or crushed between the vehicle and a wall or another fixed object due to driver error, poor visibility or lack of adequate safety measures on the site. Falls continue to be the leading reason for work-related fatalities in the construction industry. Unsecured perimeters on roofs and scaffolding, unstable ladders, unmarked openings in floors, and other height hazards increase the risk of falls for construction workers. Electrocutions are also listed among the top four construction hazards according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These accidents can be deadly and are often caused by defective or substandard equipment and tools, or live wires that were not grounded. Fatal workplace injuries and illnesses, such as falls or electrocutions or exposure to toxic chemicals, may be grounds for a wrongful death claim.
Hire A Workers Comp Lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA For Your Serious Work Injury
Negligent safety oversight and measures can create a hazardous work environment. If you or a loved one was injured because of unsafe working conditions, you may also be eligible to recover personal injury compensation in addition to workers compensation benefits. A workers comp lawyer in Baton Rouge with Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys will work hard to help you obtain the financial support you deserve so you can focus on healing from your injuries. Your normal household bills and financial obligations don’t get put on hold while you recover after a job-related injury. Workers compensation is intended to provide employees coverage to pay their bills and medical treatment after being hurt on the job. If you are having difficulty getting your benefits or believe your construction accident injury was caused by negligent conduct, contact a workers comp lawyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to discuss your claim at 225-888-8888.
