New Orleans Highway, Roadway & Bridge Worker Lawyer
New Orleans roadway workers face a barrage of dangers every time they set foot on their workplace. Distracted, texting, and speeding drivers are just one example. Hazards from construction equipment is another. If you were injured on the job, our New Orleans highway, roadway & bridge worker lawyers are here to get the help you need. The legal team at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC has assisted hundreds of New Orleans families secure wage replacement and medical benefits through Louisiana’s workers’ compensation laws, and we are committed to helping you get back on your feet.
Common Roadway, Highway, and Bridge Worker Injuries
As a roadway, bridge, or highway construction worker, the dangers you face at work are extreme. Being hit by a vehicle is the most likely way to die, while the most common workplace injuries are actually chronic overuse injuries and overexertion. Common injuries sustained in your line of work include fractures, TBIs, strains and muscle tears, ligament and joint injuries, bulging and herniated discs, hearing loss, burn injuries, dislocations, lacerations, and heat exhaustion/dehydration.
How Did the Injury Occur?
The first question to ask is how the injury happened. Depending on who is at fault, if anyone is at fault at all, you may have an additional source of compensation to pursue. If the accident was committed by a coworker or it was your fault, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. Fault does not need to be established for a workers’ comp claim to be accepted. Similarly, if the injury was no one’s fault in particular, such as a slip and fall or an overexertion or overuse injury, a workers’ comp claim is the way to go. However, if the incident was perpetuated by a third party, such as a driver on their way to work, you can also file a personal injury claim against that party, in addition to seeking benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier. Finally, if your employer cut corners, violated safety codes, or otherwise acted recklessly, you may have a valid personal injury claim against your employer as well.
The Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and a Personal Injury Claim
- Workers’ comp benefits: partial wage replacement, medical care, vocational training
- Personal injury claim benefits: full lost wage replacement, future lost earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of joy of life.
- Workers’ compensation does not require you to prove fault, while a personal injury claim/lawsuit does.
- You can file both for the same injury, in which case workers’ comp benefits would be paid out first, followed by your personal injury claim settlement or lawsuit award at a much later date.
Contact a New Orleans Highway, Roadway & Bridge Workers Lawyer
Whether your foot was crushed by construction material, you were hit by a driver, or you pulled a muscle in your back, the Highway, Roadway, And Bridge Worker Lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC can help you get the compensation you need. Call us today at 601-488-3975 to schedule a free consultation.
