Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and when safety measures are neglected or someone acts recklessly, accidents can leave workers facing serious injuries and financial hardship.
If you or someone you love has been injured on a construction site in New Orleans, it’s crucial to have an experienced legal team on your side. At Dudley DeBosier, our New Orleans construction accident attorneys are here to help you prove liability and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction sites are dangerous, and accidents can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common construction site accidents include:
- Falls From Heights: Scaffolding mishaps, unprotected edges, and ladder failure or misuse.
- Struck-By Incidents: Injuries caused by falling tools, debris, or machinery.
- Machinery Accidents: Malfunctions or lack of proper training when operating equipment.
- Electrocution: Contact with live wires or unsafe electrical setups.
- Trench Collapses: Poorly secured excavation sites leading to entrapment.
- Slip and Falls: Spills, uneven surfaces, or loose cables creating hazards.
Common Injuries in Construction Accidents
Considering the extreme danger lurking at every turn on a construction site, construction accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Caused by falls or being struck by objects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can result in partial or total paralysis.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Often requiring surgery and extended recovery.
- Burns: From fires, explosions, or chemical exposure.
- Amputations: Limb or digit loss caused by machinery accidents.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to tissue, blood vessels, or organs from impacts or falling debris.
Understanding Liability in Construction Accidents
In construction accident cases, multiple parties may be liable for the incident. Understanding what roles employers, third parties, and product manufacturers play in these cases goes a long way toward helping identify liability and gaining compensation for your injury. Below are different forms of liability in construction accident claims:
- Employer Responsibility: Employers are required to follow OSHA regulations and safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment. Their commitment to these standards helps prevent workplace accidents and provides a safer environment for all workers.
- Third-Party Liability: Accidents may also involve third-party liability, where entities such as equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or property owners are found to have contributed to the cause of an accident.
- Product Liability: In some cases, injuries result from defective tools, safety gear, or machinery. Product manufacturers can be held liable when it’s discovered that faulty equipment contributed to the accident.
- Shared Liability: Construction accident cases may involve shared liability, where multiple parties (including the employer, third parties, and product manufacturers) are found partially responsible for the incident. This often leads to complex claims requiring thorough investigation.
Compensation Available for Construction Accident Victims
Construction accidents can have life-altering physical, emotional, and financial consequences for workers and their families. Understanding your rights to compensation is an important step toward recovering and maintaining financial stability. Here are the main types of compensation that may be available:
- Medical Expenses: Immediate emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation services, and any future medical care needed due to your injuries.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Beyond just covering lost wages, this compensation accounts for reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous role.
- Pain and Suffering: These special damages acknowledge the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life following a construction accident.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Families who lose a loved one in a construction accident may receive compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. This may also include support for dependent children and spouses.
- Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims: Workers’ compensation offers basic support after on-the-job injuries, but it may not cover everything you and your family need. If someone other than your employer, like an equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, or property owner, played a role in causing your injuries, you may be able to pursue additional compensation through a third-party liability claim.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier?
At Dudley DeBosier, we understand how overwhelming such serious injuries can be and the profound struggle associated with recovering after a construction accident. That’s why we’re here to handle the legal process for you. Here’s how we stand out:
- Extensive Experience: A long track record of success helping construction accident victims.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize compassionate communication and personalized support.
- No Fees Unless We Win: Our fee is based on the outcome of your case, so you can focus on your recovery without financial worry.
Contact Our New Orleans Construction Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured at a construction site, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers is here to fight for your rights and help you move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.