People who work in chemical plants, warehouses, factories and other industrial environments in Louisiana must often deal with dangerous or deadly conditions. Knowing that these workplaces are potentially more dangerous, however, does not mean that these workers have to give up all of their rights. Federal and state safety standards are in place to protect workers from those risks, and when those regulations are ignored, a Lake Charles industrial accident lawyer can help.
When an industrial accident is caused by negligence of third parties, or by toxic exposure, the responsible parties should be held responsible. Accident victims and their families may be entitled to recover losses through third-party claims against those who are responsible for their injuries. An experienced Lake Charles industrial accident lawyer can help you understand your options and fight for your financial recovery.
At the Louisiana law firm of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC, we help injured workers and their families in Lake Charles, LA to recover damages through personal injury claims, if appropriate. Attorney Lee Schwalben was also a doctor so he knows what to look for to help maximize your recovery.
While workers’ compensation provides some comfort to victims, it is important to seek representation from a skilled personal injury lawyer when third parties are negligent in causing the injury. Generally, third parties are those entities or workers from companies other than your own employer that may be present on a construction site, or supplied dangerous products, tools or toxic materials involved in the injury producing event.
Common examples of industrial accidents that may result in injuries to Lake Charles, Louisiana workers include:
While workers’ compensation benefits may apply in these cases, those benefits are usually not enough to cover the wide range of medical expenses — as well as lost wages — that are suffered by an injured person in an industrial accident.
Attorney and Doctor Lee M. Schwalben represents individuals who have suffered harm due to negligent acts of third-party actors across the spectrum of industrial, construction and toxic exposure situations.
At Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC, all injury claims are handled on a contingency basis. This means that if you don’t win, you pay no attorney fees. Connect with us online or call us today to schedule your free initial consultation, and learn how we can help you with your construction site accident or toxic exposure case. Call our Lake Charles office at 337-494-5757.
A: Sometimes, you can sue your employer for an industrial accident in Louisiana, but this is uncommon. Workers’ compensation usually prevents you from suing your employer directly. You might have grounds for a claim if your employer knew that they were exposing you to dangerous conditions and did nothing about it. You may also be able to file a claim against a third party if they were responsible for your injuries.
A: Industrial accidents are different from other workplace injuries because there are some hazards that are unique to the industrial sector. Louisiana’s many plants, refineries, and offshore facilities mean workers are frequently exposed to dangerous machinery, materials, and working conditions. Regulations related to industrial accidents apply when determining whether you are eligible to file a claim.
A: The main causes of industrial accidents are usually related to many different factors, but human error and machine failure are the primary causes. Other issues include a lack of safety training or not following established safety protocols. The gear employees use is also a major factor, and failing to maintain gear or equipment could result in machine failures that lead to injury. If employers are pressuring people to work quickly, accidents are more likely to occur.
A: The most common industrial accidents are usually slips, trips, or falls. This could be due to chemical spills, falling from an elevated height, or being struck by a falling object or moving equipment. These injuries can result in more severe injuries than typical workplace incidents and could lead to long-term disability or death. What starts as a minor incident could quickly escalate into a major accident with multiple victims.
Suffering from an industrial accident can affect your physical health as well as your family’s financial security and emotional well-being. While no amount of compensation can undo your injury, working with an attorney can help you receive the support and resources needed for your recovery. Schedule a consultation with Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC, today to work through this challenging time with dedication and experience.