Construction Accidents

Aggressively Advocating for Injured Construction Workers

Construction Accident Attorneys in Louisiana

If you find yourself on the wrong end of a construction accident, such as a building collapse or electrocution, contact Mike Brandner and our construction accident attorneys to see what options are available to you.

With heavy machinery and lots of action, construction sites are some of the most dangerous work environments in the U.S. When you’re on the job, the last thing you expect is an injury, but unfortunately, they occur more frequently than one might expect. About 20% of private industry worker deaths in 2019 occurred due to construction site accidents according to OSHA.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

While every site is unique, some hazards are common in nearly every construction zone. With awareness, hopefully you can avoid being one of the injury statistics. Our construction accident attorneys have seen it all, including:

Blindness – Chemicals and flecks of metal present dangers to your eyesight. Wear proper safety gear and dispose of chemicals properly. Also, maintain constant vigilance, even if you aren’t personally using the chemicals. If you are injured on the job due to management’s negligence in safety protocol or code, contact us today.

Broken bones – Falls from scaffolding, roofs, ladders, and cranes can result in broken bones or worse. Heavy machinery, like bulldozers, can also crush limbs if not secured properly. These types of injuries can mean the loss of work for a few hours, several months, or permanently. Wearing a cast to the construction site can also present other dangers.

Burns – Exposed or shorn wires can spark and cause painful burns. Burns are categorized as first, second or third degree depending on their severity. Burns can keep workers off the job for days, weeks or even months. Treatment for burns can include skin grafts and other medical procedures which can be costly and time consuming.

Cuts, lacerations, and accidental amputations – Tools that are poorly maintained, exposed nails, or screws and other items on a site can cut through fabric, safety gear, and bare skin, creating deep wounds or possible dismemberment. These types of injuries can result in possible loss of both current and future employment opportunities. While permanent injuries and disabilities are on the extreme end of the injury spectrum, they are a distinct possibility on construction job sites. If you do find yourself on the wrong end of an injury, contact Mike Brandner Law today.

Deafness – With the big machinery at construction sites comes bigger noises. Even with ear plugs and proper safety equipment, eardrums can still accrue lasting damage. Even if you aren’t working with a jack hammer or other noisy tool, loss of hearing still may occur if struck in the head by falling debris or swinging beams.

Head injuries – As stated previously, swinging beams and moving parts present unique construction accident dangers. One of the biggest dangers on a construction site is head injuries. Hard hats can dampen some of the damage that can happen, but only so far. Taking the proper safety precautions can also help. Concussions can have lifelong consequences, so if you get injured at work, get the proper medical treatment first. Then reach out to our construction accident attorneys to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Heat stroke – In a humid environment, it is easy to ignore the symptoms of dehydration. Heat stroke can occur even on the mildest of days when outside in the sun. The combination of overexertion and exposure to the sun, especially in July and August, can cause heat stroke, which includes symptoms like nausea, lightheadedness, and fainting. These symptoms can create an unsafe work environment for everyone. Heat stroke can especially affect those climbing around the beams of unfinished buildings. Furthermore, heat stroke, when untreated, can lead to kidney, heart or brain damage, or, in extreme cases, death.

Repetitive motion injuries – Constant and repetitive movements can create stress injuries over time. These injuries are often felt most seriously in the back and arms and can lead to permanent, life-altering consequences. If you’ve been affected by a repetitive motion injury, contact Mike Brandner Law today.

Spinal cord damage – Damage to spinal cords can occur after falls from great heights, usually from ladders or scaffolding. Falls from these heights can also result in partial or complete paralysis, and even death.

Louisiana Workers’ Compensation

The state of Louisiana provides financial compensation benefits for a work-related accident injury, with some important exemptions. The payout you could receive depends on the extent to which your injury impacts your working abilities. Your surviving family members could also receive monetary compensation in the tragic event of a death. It is important to note that these benefits are intended to cover working time lost and medical bills incurred, not pain and suffering.

Some states limit the benefit amount that you can receive, but Louisiana does not. However, your disability level will determine the final amount. The Louisiana workers’ compensation laws can be complex and difficult to understand. If you find yourself in need of help with the initial application or you’re unsure of what to do if your application gets rejected, contact Mike Brandner and let our construction accident attorneys help you.

Reporting an Injury

You should immediately inform your employer if you were hurt on the job. Louisiana law says you must give your employer notice of your injury within 30 days or you will not be able to receive benefits.

Claims for payments, in most cases, must be made within one year of the injury-causing accident. All claims must be made within three years of the date of the accident that caused the disability.

If your injury results in disability which lasts for less than two weeks, you are entitled to compensation beginning during the second week. However, if your disability lasts for two weeks or more, you will receive compensation for the first week after two weeks.

SERVING THE STATE OF LOUISIANA

Let Our Construction Accident Attorneys Help You

Having an experienced construction accident attorney on your side, like those at Mike Brandner Law, will help you understand how to pursue a successful injury claim. We will dedicate our knowledge and experience to your case. Our construction accident lawyers will reduce the paperwork, stress, and hassle from your claim. Call us at (504) 345-1111 to get started.