For workers on construction sites in Louisiana and across the country, the risk of an accident is an unfortunate part of life on the job.
No matter how cautious an individual person may be, the site’s conditions, the nature of the work, and the possibility that a coworker makes a mistake all contribute to the risk. That is not to mention that some building companies and contractors don’t always scrupulously adhere to local, state and federal safety standards.
The Louisiana construction accident lawyers at Mansfield Melancon help people injured in construction accidents get back on their feet with the full compensation available under the law. That includes by seeking workers’ compensation benefits and going after negligent parties in court, when needed.
Our personal injury lawyers combine decades of legal experience and have a strong track record of successful results for the people that we represent. We take a personalized approach to legal representation, making ourselves directly available to clients and ensuring that we understand their unique situations and goals.
Common Construction Injuries
Construction sites often pose a wide range of hazards to workers and others on the premises. Accidents can cause a number of different injuries, such as:
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Eye damage
- Knee and ankle impairments
- Electrocution
- Head, neck and back injuries
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
In addition, exposure to certain harmful materials - such as asbestos and defective drywall - on building projects can also cause a variety of serious illnesses.
Workers’ Compensation for Construction Accidents
A construction worker who is injured on the job generally has the right to seek workers’ compensation for those injuries.
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance: your employer pays into the system so that benefits are available if you get injured at work. Those benefits are designed to cover related medical expenses, as well as missed wages during time away from the job.
To get workers compensation benefits, you typically have to make your employer aware of the accident and your injuries within 10 days. You also have to file a benefits claim and show that the injury was work-related.
Workers’ compensation is the primary tool for employees to get financial compensation for construction injuries. In some situations, however, an employee may also be able to seek compensation from a third-party whose negligence caused or contributed to a construction accident. People injured in construction accidents who were not employees at the time can also seek compensation from those responsible by suing for negligence.
How Our Louisiana Construction Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.
The Louisiana construction lawyers at Mansfield Melancon help people injured in a wide range of accidents, including those that happen on building sites. We guide clients through the legal process with experience and personalized attention.
Our offices are conveniently located in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Call us or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. You can reach us at our New Orleans location at 504-500-1108, our Baton Rouge location at 225-612-0800, or our Lafayette location at 337-409-0003.