A new federal report released in early October reveals that 120 workers in Louisiana died on the job last year—six more than in the previous year. Specifically, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest number of deaths (close to 40) were in utilities, trade, and transportation. The other workplace accidents were in the following fields:
- Natural resources and mining;
- Construction;
- Government;
- Professional and business services; and
- Manufacturing.
Does Louisiana Have Workers’ Compensation Laws?
Under the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act, an accident is defined as an unexpected or unforeseen actual event that happens suddenly or violently and directly produces an injury that is more than progressive deterioration. An occupational disease is defined as a disease or illness due to conditions characteristic of the particular trade, occupation, process, or employment in which the employee has been exposed to.
Workers’ compensation typically allows for employees that are injured (or killed) on the job to receive certain benefits, typically coverage for medical care for their injuries, wage benefits, and in some circumstances, death benefits. The benefits are provided by your employer’s insurer, and employers are covered unless statutorily exempted.
In Louisiana, covered employees include full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers, as well as certain subcontractors and independent contractors. Most of the exemptions apply to real estate workers, directors of certain nonprofit organizations, and public officials.
The law covers both physical and mental injuries from workplace accidents or occupational diseases, however, any covered mental injures must be the result of a physical injury or a sudden and extraordinary stress related to employment (which is accompanied by convincing evidence).
Our New Orleans Injury Attorneys Can Help You
If you are injured while on property that belongs to someone else— including workplace accidents —the property owner can be held responsible if the accident was caused by his own negligence. Each year, thousands of Americans are severely injured for falls on property that could or should have been maintained properly. Falls and other premise injuries can cause broken bones, serious knee injuries and hip injuries, horrific spinal cord and brain injuries.
Personal injuries happen all the time simply because some else was careless in what they did or how they acted. And many of these personal injuries could have been prevented by the wrongdoer simply taking reasonable and common sense steps. Property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for employees. Under premises liability law, victims can seek compensation for their hospital bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
If you have been injured on the job or suffered the loss of a loved one who was , a personal injury accident attorney with Harrell & Nowak can guide you through every step of the process. We have helped many victims in New Orleans, Kenner, Metairie, and throughout Louisiana obtain financial compensation for their injuries. Our workplace accidents lawyers will work to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair recovery if your injury has been caused by some else not being responsible.
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