Construction Accident | Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe PLLC https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:33:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-Logo-32x32.jpg Construction Accident | Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe PLLC https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com 32 32 New York Construction Worker Death Toll Up from Prior Years, Options for Louisiana Construction Workers Injured on the Job https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/new-york-construction-worker-death-toll-up-from-prior-years-options-for-louisiana-construction-workers-injured-on-the-job/ Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:00:26 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=5845 Read More »]]> When we read about construction worker and other worker deaths in the news, we often see numbers, data, and statistics, but we often fail to pause and think about the actual workers who have tragically passed away on the job. That fact makes this statement by Charlene Obernauer, the executive director of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health more important than ever: That each workplace death involves “a worker who had a family, who was a loved one in their community, who lost their lives.” Obernauer went on to say of workplace accidents that “Every single time it does not cease to amaze me how preventable these injuries and fatalities are, and how every single one is connected to a worker who has a story, who’s had a full like before that moment, when their life was put to an end as a result of unsafe construction sites.”

Obernauer’s comments come on the heels of a new report detailing the most recent data concerning construction worker deaths in New York. According to the recent report, a total of 24 construction workers died on the job in New York City in 2022, up from 20 deaths in 2021. The most recent data suggests that construction worker deaths are up to where they were before the COVID-10 pandemic, at 11.5 worker deaths per 100,000 workers. The study also revealed another telling data point when it comes to construction worker safety: of the 39 construction worksites that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated after a construction worker death in 2022, 90% of the workers were not unionized. In sum, construction workers, particularly those that are not part of a union, are at a high risk of being injured on the job, and are also at risk of being involved in a fatal workplace accident.

Rights and Options for Construction Workers in Louisiana – Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Workers

In Louisiana, when most workers, including construction workers and other workers, are injured on the job and are unable to work, Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits are available to help keep them on their feet financially so they can heal from their injuries and return to their regular jobs. Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits may include wage replacement compensation, medical expense reimbursement to treat the workplace injury, and other important benefits under Louisiana workers’ compensation laws. In addition, certain dependent family members of those workers who have been killed on the job may have rights and options under Louisiana workers’ compensation death benefits laws. Of course, in order to determine whether you may have a case for Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits or workers’ compensation death benefits, it is important to speak to an experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights and options.

The experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your workplace injury and to see if they can help you get workers’ compensation benefits due. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your case for free.

Source:

thecity.nyc/2024/02/13/nyc-construction-deaths-osha-2022/

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Florida Construction Worker Rushed to Hospital after Serious Head Injury on the Job https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/florida-construction-worker-rushed-to-hospital-after-serious-head-injury-on-the-job/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:00:52 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=5699 Read More »]]> A Martin County, Florida construction worker was rushed to the hospital for treatment on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 30 after a serious workplace accident. According to local news reports, first responders arrived at the scene of the workplace accident at around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon and assisted a construction worker who had just suffered a head injury. The Martin County Fire and Rescue “X” post stated in regards to the terrible accident, “Rescue 21 & Ladder 23 responded to a construction site on Kanner Hwy around 2:30 p.m. Our crews quickly assisted a worker who suffered a head injury & needed transport to the hospital. They lifted the man out, & thankfully, it appears the injuries were not life threatening.”

Fortunately, for the construction worker, it appears from all accounts that his head injury was not likely to be life threatening. However, for construction workers in Mississippi and throughout the United States, the risk of a serious head injury on the job is something that is ever-present in construction work. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the construction industry alone “has the greatest number of both fatal and nonfatal [work related] [traumatic brain injuries] among U.S. workplaces.”

An Occupation Rife with Head Injury Risks

To underscore its finding that construction work presents the biggest risk of traumatic brain injury in the United States among all occupations, the CDC notes that from the period 2003 to 2010, a total of 2,210 construction workers were killed due to a traumatic brain injury. That number accounts for 25% of all construction work-related deaths and 24% of all work-related traumatic brain injuries deaths among all industries within the same period. The CDC also notes that, “Construction workers are at higher risk for TBIs because of their work in dynamic environments where they can be struck by falling and flying objects or fall from elevation. Falls, especially from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds, led to more than half of fatal [work-related] [traumatic brain injuries].”

Help for Mississippi Workers who Suffer Workplace Head Injuries

In Mississippi, when most workers suffer serious and debilitating workplace injuries, they are entitled to Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits. Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits include important compensation such as wage replacement compensation, medical expense reimbursement, vocation training, and other benefits to help workers get back on their feet after a workplace injury. In order to determine whether you may be entitled to Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits for your workplace head injury or other work-related injury, it is important to speak with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

The experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your workplace injury and to see if they can help you get Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits due to you. Contact the experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your rights and options for free.

Source:

wptv.com/news/treasure-coast/region-martin-county/construction-worker-taken-to-hospital-after-accident

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Ohio Construction Worker Killed after Falling from 20 Foot Height in Tragic Workplace Accident https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/ohio-construction-worker-killed-after-falling-from-20-foot-height-in-tragic-workplace-accident/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 11:00:44 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=5616 Read More »]]> There is no question that “falls from heights” is a category of workplace accidents that often result in severe injury and even sometimes death. Unfortunately, the latter was true last week when an Ohio construction worker fell from extreme heights on a job site and died at work. The death of the Ohio construction worker underscores the dangers of working at heights for all workers, and raises the question of what the surviving family members of workers killed on the job can do to seek justice.

According to local news reports, Ohio construction worker 41-year-old Anthony Perry was working on a home renovation project for a client when he fell more than 20 feet. It is reported that Perry had been working on a lift at the worksite before he fell from it and met his tragic fate. The accident happened around 2:51 p.m. in the afternoon on Monday December 4. Local authorities are not certain as to what Perry ultimately hit when he landed from the fall, and they also were unsure who his employer was at the time of initial reports. Perry’s cause of death was listed as “blunt injury to the torso”. Although local news reporters attempted to get in touch with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, those calls were not returned. The incident is still under investigation.

Heights Present Danger to Construction Workers, Roofers, Other Workers

Heights can present an extreme hazard to workers on the job. Whether a worker is working at the top of a large hole in the ground on a pipe drilling project, or is high up on a roof or scaffolding working construction, a fall from a height can cause severe disability or even death. Workers who work with heights should always wear proper safety equipment, such as harnesses, lines, and other gear, and follow all of the rules and safety regulations that are applicable. In addition, employers of construction workers, roofers, and other workers who work with heights should always encourage safety at the workplace or worksite, adhere to the highest safety standards, and maintain effective safety protocols.

Help for the Families of Workers Killed on the Job in Louisiana

In Louisiana, when a worker is killed on the job, certain surviving dependent family members may be entitled to Louisiana workers’ compensation death benefits to help support them financially. Of course, while nothing can compensate a family member for a lost loved one, these important benefits can help dependent family members with their family member’s lost wages, medical expenses, and funeral expenses, among other financial assistance.

If you lost your loved one to a tragic workplace accident, and you are curious about your entitlement to Louisiana workers’ compensation death benefits, contact the experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe. The experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your case and to see if they can help get you benefits due. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe today and speak to an experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights and options for free.

Source:

newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/2023/12/08/construction-worker-dies-after-falling-20-feet-at-buckeye-lake-home/71854612007/

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Work in Construction in Louisiana? Here’s What You Need to Know About Common Construction Industry Workplace Accidents and Your Right to Louisiana Workers’ Compensation https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/work-in-construction-in-louisiana-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-common-construction-industry-workplace-accidents-and-your-right-to-louisiana-workers-compensation/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:00:51 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=5212 Read More »]]> When we drive down the highway, ascend the stairs of our office buildings, cross over bridges, and speed down tollways, it is rare that we have the hardworking people who built our roads, bridges, buildings, and byways in the forefront of our minds. The truth of the matter is that the infrastructure that we rely on was built at some point by someone, and their hard work, sweat, and even blood, enables us to carry out our errands, work, and lives today. Far from sung heroes of America, construction workers often do not get the credit they deserve, especially in light of the many injuries that they may be at risk of suffering on the job. But what exactly are the common injuries that construction workers suffer, and what can an injured construction worker do if they are injured at work and unable to do their regular job and longer?

Common Workplace Injuries in the Construction Industry in Louisiana

Although there are a number of different injuries that construction workers in Louisiana may face every day, some injuries that are more common than others in construction work. According to Forbes online, the most common workplace injuries in the construction industry include: broken bones, spinal cord injuries, back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, illnesses and the development of serious health conditions and cancers due to chemical and toxin exposure, loss of limbs or appendages, blindness and vision damage, head injuries, and severe burns. In addition to serious, or even catastrophic injuries, construction workers may even be at risk of dying from a workplace injury. It is important to keep in mind that even though federal and state laws mandate safety regulations for construction industry employers, not all employers follow the rules and regulations, and workers may be at risk for injuries related to lack of safety measures.

Options for Injured Workers for Financial Assistance Under Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Laws

When a worker is injured in a workplace accident in Louisiana, whether in construction or any other industry, they may have options for financial help under Louisiana workers’ compensation laws. Under Louisiana workers’ compensation laws, most injured workers, with some exceptions, are entitled to important benefits such as wage replacement compensation, medical expense reimbursement, disability benefits, vocational training services, and other important benefits. In addition, if a worker is tragically killed on the job, Louisiana workers’ compensation laws may entitle certain family members of the deceased worker to Louisiana workers’ compensation death benefits.

If you were injured on the job in Louisiana, contact the experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe. The experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe offer a free and confidential consultation to listen to your workplace accident story and to see if they can help you get workers’ compensation benefits due. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe today and speak to an experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights and options for free.

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Top Ten Construction Site Injuries In Mississippi https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/top-ten-construction-site-injuries-in-mississippi/ Wed, 20 Jul 2022 10:00:45 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=3439 Read More »]]> Workplace safety is no laughing matter. Every day across Mississippi and the US, thousands of people are victims of accidents that should be prevented by following federal safety laws.

In Mississippi, the construction industry is tied for number one in workplace fatalities. Here are ten common injuries people experience from construction sites.

The Fatal Four

The top four construction hazards are known as the “fatal four.” These make up nearly 60% of construction site fatalities.

  1. Falls

Falls are a leading cause of death on construction sites, accounting for approximately one-third of construction related deaths. Many falls can be prevented with the correct safety gear.

  1. Caught in or between

Another leading cause of construction site deaths is being caught in or between something. On construction sites, workers who are caught in trenches without a safe way out are at risk of a cave in.

Additionally, workers may be caught between equipment. For example, a worker may be pinned underneath sheet metal or a vehicle.

  1. Struck by moving objects

Construction sites have a number of large machines and moving parts. Being struck by a moving vehicle or a moving crane, is a common fatality on construction sites.

  1. Electrocution

Electrocution is the last of the “fatal four” injuries on construction sites. Workers may be electrocuted by coming into contact with overhead or buried power lines.

Common non-fatal construction site injuries

In addition to the fatal four construction site injuries, construction workers in Mississippi face a number of potential injuries on the job.

  1. Overexertion and strain

Construction work takes a serious toll on the body. Workers in this industry are likely to experience pulled muscles, including serious back injuries that leave workers unable to work. Working in the southern summer heat can lead to sunburn, dehydration, and heat stroke.

  1. Falling objects

On construction sites, it’s not common for objects to fall from large heights. This puts workers on lower levels and the ground at risk of injury from falling objects and debris.

  1. Slip or trip injuries

Slip or trip injuries can lead to falls, but they can also lead to serious injuries on the ground level. Workers who slip or trip over objects may sprain their wrists or ankles or suffer worse injuries.

  1. Injuries from machines

Heavy machinery can cause serious injury to workers who do not have adequate training or protective material. Sharp tools can easily cut or even amputate fingers or limbs, while tools like nail guns can easily cause puncture wounds.

  1. Respiratory ailments

Workers who do not have proper breathing apparatuses can inhale particles that can cause difficulty breathing or contribute to other respiratory illnesses later on, especially when dealing with asbestos.

  1. Burns

Finally, construction workers are at risk of being burned in a fire or explosion. These can be caused by faulty electric wires, which start fires, or by leaking pipes punctured by a backhoe.

Working with an experienced attorney

If you or a loved one was injured or killed on a construction site, our experienced Jackson personal injury attorneys can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Contact us today at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC for a free case evaluation.

Source:

bls.gov/regions/southeast/news-release/fatalworkinjuries_mississippi.htm

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Common Types of Factory Accidents https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/common-types-of-factory-accidents/ Thu, 06 Jan 2022 15:19:33 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=2502 Read More »]]> Factory work is labor-intensive and can be quite dangerous. Workers in these kinds of industrial settings are exposed to a number of hazardous materials and dangerous equipment on a daily basis. According to the Department of Labor, 5,333 workers died on the job in 2019. Though not all of those who died were factory workers, industrial laborers do make up a high number of those who are injured and suffer fatalities every year.

If you become ill or injured due to a workplace incident, you have a right to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits. Workers’ comp is available to eligible workers, regardless of who was at fault. If you have questions or concerns about a workplace injury and benefits available to you, contact the Louisiana workers’ compensation attorneys at Lunsford, Baskin, and Priebe, PLLC.

Common Accidents That Occur in Industrial Factory Settings

Injuries and accidents in factory workplaces can happen for any number of reasons. Though employers and their workers have safety protocols to follow, sometimes things still happen—industrial factories are naturally dangerous settings. In some cases, there could be no one at fault, or in other situations, it could be due to employee or employer negligence. Luckily, workers’ compensation is available to workers without the need to prove fault.

Some of the most common accidents that occur in factories include:

Slips and Falls

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in the workplace, especially in factories. Workers can slip and fall on spilled materials, liquids, and oils or trip and fall over objects lying around. It is also common for workers to fall from ladders or other elevated surfaces in industrial settings.

Machinery and Equipment Accidents

The use of heavy machinery and equipment is prevalent in industrial workplaces. These pieces of equipment and machinery can be very dangerous to work with and can cause devastating injuries if workers aren’t careful. You can get caught in machinery, or equipment such as forklifts can run over or fall on top of workers.

Overexertion

Overexertion accidents and injuries are common due to the labor-intensive nature of factory work. If workers are not properly trained to lift heavy objects or if they have been working long hours and are fatigued, they can easily strain and overexert themselves.

Falling Objects

Factories can be very busy and chaotic, with many objects being moved about, such as cargo shipments and inventory. If items are not handled or secured properly, they can fall and strike or even crush workers that are in the vicinity.

Hazardous Material Exposure

While exposure to chemical substances might seem odd for an industrial setting, it’s not. Factory workers handle various types of cargo and items, including those that contain toxic materials. When these objects break open and spill, they expose workers to harmful fumes, and if the chemicals come into contact with their skin, they can burn them. Some of these materials are also flammable and can cause explosions that can do even more harm.

Connect with an Experienced Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you are injured as a factory worker, our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help. Filing a claim for workers’ comp benefits can be challenging. In some cases, your claim may even get denied. An attorney can help you file any initial paperwork or an appeal if necessary to ensure you get the benefits you deserve to help cover the cost of medical expenses and lost wages while you recover.

For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Louisiana, contact Lunsford, Baskin, and Priebe, PLLC. After-hours visits are available.

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Occupational Illness: Common Industries and Illnesses https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/occupational-illness-common-industries-and-illnesses/ Wed, 29 Dec 2021 14:39:54 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=2415 Read More »]]> Occupational illnesses and diseases are common among many different industries in Louisiana, and they often require pricey medical treatments and time away from work. Fortunately, workers’ compensation includes occupational illnesses and diseases in addition to workplace accidents, meaning that you can receive money for medical expenses and lost wages if you develop an illness or disease while on the job.

Louisiana law defines occupational illnesses as a “disease or illness which is due to causes and conditions characteristic of and peculiar to the particular trade, occupation, process, or employment in which the employee is exposed to such a disease.”

Occupational diseases typically develop after an employee suffers from prolonged exposure to toxins and other harmful substances. Additionally, occupational illnesses may occur from repetitive movements from work tasks.

In this blog, you’ll learn all about the industries in which occupational illnesses and diseases are common, common workplace illnesses, and what illnesses and diseases are NOT covered by workers’ compensation.

Common Industries for Occupational Illnesses and Diseases

Some industry workers are more likely to develop occupational illnesses and diseases than other employees. Certain industry employees face exposure to toxins, hazardous work conditions, and repetitive motions that can eventually result in illnesses.

Industries with an increased risk of illness and disease include:

  • Welders
  • Miners
  • Workers who work with popcorn and flavoring
  • Farmers and farmworkers
  • Construction workers
  • Aerospace workers
  • First responders
  • Flax, cotton, and hemp workers
  • Manufacturing

Additionally, different industry workers may face long-term diseases or illnesses when exposed to gasoline or diesel fumes, nylon fibers, and noisy equipment.

There are also special rules for certain types of industry employees who suffer from occupational illnesses and diseases. These industries include firefighters and laboratory technicians.

Firefighters qualify for workers’ compensation for many different diseases and illnesses because they’re exposed to many harmful substances and hazards. These include certain types of cancers, such as bladder, brain, liver, skin, pancreas, colon, gastrointestinal tract, and leukemia, and heart disease. For employers or insurance companies to deny workers’ compensation to firefighters, they need to prove that the disease or illness wasn’t caused or worsened by their work. This means that even if the condition wasn’t the primary cause for a firefighter’s disease or illness, they can still receive full workers’ compensation. With most industries, the work conditions or activities need to be the direct and primary cause of an employee’s ailment.

In Louisiana, laboratory technicians can receive workers’ compensation for any illness or disability that directly or indirectly resulted from contracting a disease or being poisoned because of their work. Laboratory technicians often face exposure to drugs, chemicals, and other substances that directly or indirectly harm their long-term health.

Common Occupational Illnesses and Diseases

Many different illnesses and diseases result from hazardous work environments and conditions. Common occupational illnesses and diseases include

  • Various forms of cancer
  • Infection caused by mold
  • Lead poisoning
  • Chemical poisoning
  • Industrial asthma
  • Mesothelioma
  • Eczema
  • Dermatitis
  • Respiratory issues caused by asbestosis

In addition to these common illnesses and diseases, Louisiana also has two special types of occupational diseases covered by workers’ compensation.

Employees can recover workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome, an incredibly common injury caused by the compression of the median nerve. A few industries in which carpal tunnel syndrome is common include apparel manufacturers, food processors, administrative workers, telephone operators, and office workers. Victims of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome need to prove that their work caused their condition in order to receive workers’ compensation.

Another special occupational illness under Louisiana law is occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Louisiana courts have determined that loud work environments contribute to hearing loss, so an employee who loses their hearing due to their work can recover workers’ compensation.

Although workers’ compensation covers many different occupational illnesses and diseases, there are significant exemptions. LA RS 23.1031.1 b states that the following are not covered:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Arthritis
  • Mental illness
  • Heart-related or perivascular disease (unless you’re a firefighter)

Call a Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Receiving workers’ compensation for your occupational illness or disease can often be a challenging process. Employers and insurance companies often attempt to underplay a claim or outright deny it. If you were injured or developed an illness or disease in the workplace, you need expert workers’ compensation attorneys at your side every step of the way.

To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills and lost wages, contact Lunsford, Baskin, and Priebe, PLLC. The lawyers at Lunsford, Baskin, and Priebe have years of experience helping victims of occupational illnesses and diseases receive the money they need. For legal support you can trust, call our New Orleans office at 504-788-2994. You can also schedule a free consultation by clicking here.

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Report: New Construction Companies Make Up Bulk of Comp Claims https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/report-new-construction-companies-make-up-bulk-of-comp-claims/ Fri, 08 Oct 2021 16:42:47 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=2104 Read More »]]> According to recent data collected from workers’ compensation claims filed over the last ten years, 75% of claims paid outcome from construction companies that have been in business for less than four years. Further findings from the report found that:

  • New employees represent 33% of claims and are at greater risk of sustaining an injury.
  • Ladder falls and lifting strains are the most common injuries.
  • The average time off work needed for construction-related injuries is 13 days.
  • For burn injuries specifically, the average time off needed is 19 days.
  • Falls often require the most days off, with the average being 21 days.
  • The majority of claims are filed in the summer months due to increased construction work in relation to nicer weather.

The report also listed the following as the top five areas of the body most likely to be injured in a construction accident:

  1. Multiple body parts
  2. Lower back
  3. Knee
  4. Fingers
  5. Shoulders

If you’ve been injured in a construction work-related accident, the workers’ compensation attorneys at Lunsford, Baskin, & Priebe, PLLC can help you with your claim. Our attorneys specialize in handling workers’ comp cases, including those involving construction-related accidents. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure all liable parties are held accountable, so you are adequately compensated for your injuries and loss of wages.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Though the report listed ladder falls and lifting strains as the top causes of construction injuries, workers can sustain injuries and get into accidents for any number of reasons, including:

  • Defective equipment
  • Scaffolding defects or falls
  • Electrical accidents
  • Slips and falls
  • Mechanical accidents
  • Fires and explosions
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Crane accidents
  • Structure collapses
  • Fork-lift and other construction vehicle accidents
  • Poor management and safety procedure oversight

Potential Liable Parties in Mississippi Construction Accident Cases

Though claims are often filed against the employer’s insurance company, several other third parties could share the responsibility or be fully liable for the accident and your resulting injuries. In some cases, you may even pursue further action for additional compensation by suing your employer or a third party.

Potentially liable parties in construction accidents can include:

  • General contractors
  • Construction site owners
  • Sub-contractors
  • Manufacturers of any equipment used
  • Architects
  • Engineers

Pursuing Compensation in Mississippi Construction Accidents

Injured workers in Mississippi have a right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim if they were injured on the job. Workers’ compensation operates under a no-fault system, meaning the injured worker doesn’t have to prove fault to receive workers’ comp benefits.

However, should a third party be at fault, injured workers can file a personal injury claim in addition to their workers’ comp claim. This will allow them to maximize the compensation amount to help cover any necessary costs related to the accident and the injuries sustained.

Unlike workers’ comp claims, in a personal injury claim or lawsuit, the victim must prove fault to be awarded damages. This is often a challenging and complicated process and typically requires the help of an experienced attorney.

It is not uncommon in personal injury cases for the guilty party and/or their insurer to deny fault to avoid paying out high amounts to the victim. When this happens, your attorney will work with you to gather the necessary evidence to prove fault and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

An Experienced Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction-related workplace accident, our lawyers can help. Our professional, dedicated team has years of experience practicing exclusively in the area of workers’ compensation law. We’ll take on the task of making sure you get your workers’ comp benefits promptly and fully-paid, including appealing claim denials if necessary.

For help with a Mississippi workers’ compensation claim, contact the workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, PLLC for a free consultation.

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What Is The Long-term Effect Of A Crush Injury? https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/what-is-the-long-term-effect-of-a-crush-injury/ Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:53:46 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=2027 Read More »]]> Crush injuries can leave victims with serious long-term injuries, some of which they may never fully recover from. Crush injuries are incredibly serious and are often fatal, so you need to know the causes of these injuries and the long-term ramifications of suffering from them.

In this blog, you’ll learn all about the technical definition of a crush injury, common causes, statistics, and the long-term effects that may not be apparent. Perhaps the most important thing you need to know is that if you’ve suffered from a crush injury while at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.

What Is a Crush Injury?

A crush injury occurs when compression to a body part damages nerves, blood vessels, bones, muscles, or other body tissue.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) goes into further detail about the technical definition of a crush injury. They define crush injuries as occurring when a person is compressed, squeezed, crushed, or pinched in a machine or between two objects. The resulting injury can result in various ailments and can be permanently debilitating or even fatal.

Crush injuries typically result from an on-site work accident involving machinery or heavy equipment, but there are other causes of crush injuries.

Common Causes of Crush Injuries

Crush injuries are common in trucking, manufacturing, and construction sites. These injuries most commonly occur by someone becoming caught in between objects or machinery. Some of the situations in which someone experiences a crush injury includes:

  • Cave-ins
  • Falling debris
  • Being pinned by a forklift
  • Machinery accident
  • Powered doors
  • Getting caught between a truck frame and a hydraulic bed

Any job involving construction, machinery, or large objects can result in a crush injury, but an especially common source of crush injuries results from forklifts. OSHA noted that crush injuries and deaths often occur because of forklifts falling over. Crush injuries also often occur when a person becomes crushed between a vehicle and something else, such as an object or surface.

Long-term Effects of a Crush Injury

Most crush injuries occur to the victim’s lower limbs, but upper limb injuries and torso injuries can also occur with a crush injury. Some of the many resulting injuries from being crushed include:

  • Broken bones
  • Damaged skin
  • Muscle damage
  • Head injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Brain trauma
  • Organ failure
  • Damaged nerves

Those who suffer from a crush injury can also experience additional medical conditions such as psychological issues, amputations, kidney failure, hypotension, and compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is when pressure builds up in part of the body because of internal bleeding and/or tissue swelling.

A highly dangerous aspect of experiencing a crush injury is that you may not be able to tell the full extent of the damage. The injury doesn’t only affect the area that was crushed. When someone experiences a crush injury, they often destroy muscle tissue, which then releases toxins and electrolytes through their bloodstream. This then results in the death of body tissue outside of the directly affected body parts.

In addition to issues relating to body tissue, the victim’s muscles may release too much potassium, calcium, and lactic acid, which can eventually result in a metabolic disorder or even cardiac arrest or arrhythmia.

The amount of time it takes for someone to heal from a crush injury depends on how quickly they can address the issue and the type of treatment they receive. Crush injury survivors will often be given intravenous fluids to reduce their chance of experiencing heart issues and protect other parts of the body from being affected.

Connect With a Skilled Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you or a loved one have experienced a crush injury or death while on the job, you need to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive the money you deserve. Fortunately, Lunsford, Baskin, & Priebe, PLLC offers free consultations. We can support you so that you receive the workers’ compensation you deserve. Contact us here or call 601-488-3975 for a free consultation.

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Electrocutions and Construction Accidents in Louisiana https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/electrocutions-and-construction-accidents-in-louisiana/ Fri, 24 Sep 2021 18:53:40 +0000 https://www.lunsfordbaskin.com/?p=2021 Read More »]]> When you work on a construction site or near power sources, there’s an ever-present risk of electrocution. You could be severely injured or killed in the split second it takes for electricity to course through your body.

Even the lowest level of electrical exposure can cause severe injuries like burns and internal organ damage. It takes only one-fourth of a second and 50 to 100 milliamperes of current to kill or severely maim a person. Most electrical circuits carry hundreds of times more power than that.

If you were electrocuted working at a construction site, contact a workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. These cases can be extremely stressful and complex. You’ll need an experienced lawyer’s help to deal with your employer and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve under Louisiana law.

What Causes a Jobsite Electrocution?

Jobsite electrocution is one of OSHA’s “fatal four” construction accidents: falls, struck-by accidents, crushed-between accidents, and electrocutions. These accidents account for the vast majority of workplace fatalities and severe injuries in the U.S.

Many types of electrocutions can happen at worksites. Common contributors to electrocutions include:

  • Old and faulty tools
  • Poorly-maintained equipment
  • Frayed cords
  • Ladders and lifts that contact electricity
  • Faulty and ungrounded electrical wires
  • Overhead hanging wires, cords, and connectors

Although there are almost innumerable ways someone can be harmed by electricity, workplace and construction site electrocutions tend to involve certain common situations and injuries:

  • Burns and scorching from electricity, flames, and shocks
  • Arc flash burns
  • Cardiac arrest from contact with high voltage
  • Falls due to electric shocks
  • Fatal or near-fatal electrocution on a vehicle or equipment
  • Less severe but powerful electric shocks due to improper wiring
  • Shocks, burns, and cardiac arrest due to the power generator and equipment malfunctions

In addition to these dangerous situations, there are also situational and environmental hazards that add to the risk of electrocution, like:

  • Poorly-lit buildings and worksites
  • Worksites with improper grounding and electrical boxes
  • Running equipment past its maintenance date or useful life
  • Contact with wires while on equipment like cranes and bulldozers
  • Locating cords and connectors in hard-to-reach places
  • Working at unsafe heights
  • Adverse weather conditions like blowing winds, ice, rain, snow, and flooding

When you read through the hazards listed above, it’s obvious that many of them are due to negligence on the part of the employer, contractor, or government office that oversees the job site. Issues like poor lighting, improper wiring, maintenance failures, and unsafe work areas are preventable and may be evidence of negligence.

Why You Need a Louisiana Construction Accident Lawyer

After worksite electrocution, multiple issues arise. You’ll need urgent medical treatment and could be fighting for your life after experiencing a severe electrical shock. The emergency medical treatment, plus the additional bills for a hospital stay and possible surgery, could add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars within just a few days.

Plus, you may need to start a workers’ compensation claim and work with your employer to arrange the benefits you’re due under the law. Unfortunately, construction companies and others in the industry aren’t always welcoming about workers’ compensation claims.

You could be facing an uphill battle to get your medical treatment covered and avoid losing your work earnings during a recovery period that isn’t your fault. Don’t wait to contact a qualified Louisiana workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney who can evaluate the full scope of your claim.

Connect With an Experienced Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Filing a workers’ compensation claim is challenging, especially when it’s for a severe construction accident like electrocution. For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Louisiana, contact Lunsford, Baskin, & Priebe, PLLC. After-hours visits are available. To schedule your free consultation call us at 601-488-3975.

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