New Orleans Construction Accident Lawyer Representing Contractors and Workers
Construction sites pose a wide variety of hazards for workers and visitors alike. Anyone who is injured in an accident on a building project has the right to work with a New Orleans construction accident lawyer to seek compensation from those responsible, whether it is the property owner, the builder or a subcontractor.
Types of Construction Accident Claims
Construction site accidents can raise a number of different legal claims. Some of the most common include:
- Personal injury: Property owners and construction companies have a legal responsibility to keep the site in a reasonably safe condition and perform the work without negligence.
- Defective products: In the event that an accident is caused or made worse by defective or malfunctioning equipment, the company that produced the equipment may be liable.
- Wrongful death: When a person dies in a construction accident, his or her loved ones have the right to seek compensation for wrongful death.
Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents and Related Injuries
Workers and contractors are exposed to significant vulnerabilities when operating on a construction site. Heavy equipment, unstable surfaces, and faulty equipment increase the likelihood of accidents. Some of the leading causes of construction accidents that a New Orleans construction accident lawyer can help you with include:
Poor or inadequate training: Employers have a responsibility to ensure that all workers and anyone else at the job site have the proper training to perform their jobs safely. Failing to train their employees adequately can lead to accidents that can cause severe injuries to others.
Negligent supervision: Employers also have an obligation to provide adequate supervision over the job site to protect the safety of their employees. Failure to supervise can allow hazards to go unnoticed, such as the improper use of tools or dangerous conditions at the worksite. An experienced New Orleans construction accident lawyer will be able to identify whether your employer failed to supervise the job site properly and allowed the accident to happen.
Safety protocols are ignored: Whether it’s a single worker or systemic, widespread failure to follow safety rules which can jeopardize the safety of everyone at the job site. Failing to follow the appropriate safety protocols is a common cause of construction accidents.
Collapsed structures and unstable surfaces: The structure itself can become unstable and collapse during the building process. This can also include trench or tunnel collapses. In some cases, it may be only a part of the building, such as the scaffolding. A structure collapse often leads to severe injuries and even death. A skilled New Orleans construction accident lawyer will be able to collect the evidence you need to make your claim.
Improper use or maintenance of equipment: Many tools, machines, and other equipment used on the job site can be hazardous unless appropriately used and regularly maintained. Failure to use them correctly or to conduct routine maintenance can result in serious injuries to any worker using them or nearby.
Mechanical hazards: Construction workers often have to use various types of heavy machines that can be dangerous. Missing safety features or broken machinery can quickly lead to accidents resulting in amputations or crush injuries. Another common cause of injury is when workers misuse equipment either due to negligent supervision or inadequate training.
Falls from height and falling objects: Falls are some of the most common construction injuries, often caused by missing or malfunctioning safety equipment. Falling tools, building materials, or other objects are also common causes of serious construction accidents. These can be the result of improperly secured loads or materials that have been installed or left in dangerous areas.
Explosions and fire: There are typically several highly flammable or explosive materials present on most construction sites. A single spark can result in a sudden fire or even an explosion, resulting in severe injuries to one or several construction workers. Some common fire and explosion hazards on construction sites include leaking fuel tanks, gas line breaks, and combustible chemicals.
Electrical accidents: One of the less obvious hazards on construction sites is the danger of electrocution. Workers may inadvertently contact an electrical wire they didn’t know was there while digging a trench or running into a powerline that wasn’t properly marked. Construction equipment (tools or machinery) may also require electrical power and electrocute workers if not properly maintained.
Construction Accident Liability in Louisiana
It is most common for personal injury claims related to construction accidents to be filed against third parties, including the owner of the property where the accident happened, a general contractor or subcontractor, the leading contractor on the job site, architects/engineers who have a duty to ensure compliance and safety, and the manufacturers of tools and equipment that construction workers rely on every day.
Do I Need a New Orleans Construction Accident Lawyer?
It is vital to have an experienced attorney on your side if you have been injured in a construction accident. A New Orleans construction accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and build the strongest possible claim for money damages.
Your New Orleans construction accident lawyer will compile all of the documentation related to the accident and the injuries, including obtaining any police reports, written witness statements, insurance policy information and medical records detailing the extent of the injuries. We will then investigate the accident to determine what happened and identify those responsible. Video camera footage and witness interviews can go a long way toward building a successful claim.
Speak with a New Orleans Construction Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in Louisiana, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced injury lawyer. At Bloom Legal, we have a strong track record of success for clients in a wide range of injury cases in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Call us at 504-599-9997 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced New Orleans construction accident attorney.
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"This company is one of the most helpful and dutiful law firms in New Orleans. I have met with Seth Bloom multiple times and he has helped with out of several situations I thought had no solution. He made me feel calm, comfortable, and collected. After our first meeting, he established a genuine interest in my position and assured me that he would stand by me. Aside from that, he is one of the most professional lawyers I have dealt with, and I believe his service to be above what people in New Orleans consider to be great service."
Posted By: Zachary Klos