On-the-Job Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas
On The Job Injury Law Firm Gordon and Gordon in Shreveport, Bossier City and Mansfield Louisiana
Helping those who have received an on-the-job injury and are seeking workers’ compensation.
If you are injured on the job, while completing your assigned duties or possibly even in a Louisiana car accident while working, you may have a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ Compensation claims are complex and can be very stressful, especially when you are hurt and trying to recover from a workplace injury. The last thing you need is added stress and worry over your claim but this is where an experienced Shreveport workers’ compensation lawyer can help you.
Gordon & Gordon can advise you on whether you have a workers’ compensation case or not. If you do, they will be able to give you all of the advice you need, let you know what benefits you are entitled to and take the stress out of the process by handling and filing your workers’ comp case for you.
What Causes an On-the-Job Injury?
1. Overexertion Injuries – This includes injuries related to pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, and throwing activities at work. Overexertion not only has consistently been the number one workplace injury according but is also the most expensive.
2. Slipping/Tripping – Slips and falls are another common workplace injury. This pertains to falls on wet and slippery floors or trips over something lying on the floor. Attention to what is going on around them is required of employees and employers will have safety guidelines to ensure spills are promptly cleaned and no debris is present which can be dangerous.
3. Falling from Heights – This type of fall happens from an elevated area such as roofs, ladders, and stairways. They can be caused by slip and fall accidents or due to faulty equipment. These types of accidents can be reduced by the use of proper personal protection gear, training and employee diligence.
4. Vehicle Accidents – Employees who drive for business purposes are often injured in auto accidents, some of which can be fatal. Employee Safe-Driver training and employer safe driving policies are likely to reduce accidents.
5. Repetitive Motion Injuries – This type of workplace injury is one of those less obvious but definitely harmful ones in the long run. Repetitive motions such as typing and using the computer 24/7 can strain muscles and tendons causing back pain, vision problems, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Employee training and the use of proper ergonomic equipment can help keep these incidents low.
6. Fires and Explosions – Chemical plant explosions and oilfield refinery accidents often trace back to human error, not following OSHA regulations, poor maintenance, a faulty valve, and failure to adhere to safety guidelines. These fires and explosions can lead to devastating, often fatal injuries.
What Steps Should You Take Following an On-the-Job Injury?
Training, diligence and proper safety equipment are instrumental elements to reducing workplace accidents and injuries, but when it comes to bringing workers home safe, it is not enough. Education is what takes workplace safety to the next level. If you are injured at the workplace, you should follow these steps to ensure that you meet the requirements to collect your workers’ compensation:
- Get medical care
- Document your personal injury with your employer immediately.
- If your injury is one that builds up over time, report it as soon as you discover that it may be work-related.
- Get in touch with a local workers' comp lawyer.
What Should Your Employer Do After an On-the-Job Injury?
Your employer has responsibilities when you have been hurt on the job. They are required by Louisiana law Title 23 to have Workers’ Compensation insurance in the event that you, or a co-worker, are injured at work. This insurance will protect you when you get hurt and will help cover your:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits, for fatal accidents
If you or a co-worker are hurt while working, your employer must take your personal injury seriously and document the facts around an accident. They must also make sure an accident investigation is carried out to help reveal the root of the problem and point toward safety improvements.