It only takes a second. A ladder gives way. A beam falls from above. A live wire sparks when no one expected it. Whether you’re working on a new build downtown, a highway expansion near I-10, or a residential remodel in Baton Rouge, the risks on construction sites are constant and often preventable.
If you’ve been hurt, you may be wondering who is responsible and how to hold them accountable. Understanding the most common causes of construction accidents is the first step to building your case.
Leading causes of construction site injuries in Louisiana
Construction site injuries can happen for dozens of reasons, but certain dangers show up again and again. Lack of proper safety equipment, failing to enforce safety protocols, and rushed deadlines all make construction projects more dangerous than they need to be.
Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or unfinished levels
- Falling objects from above, including tools and materials
- Electrocutions from power lines, exposed wiring, or faulty equipment
- Crush injuries involving heavy machinery or construction equipment
- Defective equipment like malfunctioning lifts or unguarded power tools
- Toxic substances, such as chemical exposure without warnings or masks
- Lack of personal protective equipment, including safety harnesses and hard hats
In many construction site accidents, the harm could have been avoided with basic safety measures, better site safety training, or regular enforcement of safety regulations.
Who is responsible for your injuries on a construction site
After a serious injury, one of the biggest questions is who can be held accountable. That answer depends on the specific facts of the case and the roles of each party on site.
Liable parties may include:
- General contractors or subcontractors who failed to follow safety protocols
- Construction site owners who didn’t address known hazards
- The construction company for failing to provide proper training or supervision
- Equipment manufacturers if defective equipment caused the injury
- Other construction workers if their actions directly caused the accident
Many construction projects involve overlapping responsibilities. Proving who is at fault often requires a thorough investigation, review of safety standards, and collection of key evidence like witness statements or video footage.
How to prove liability in a construction accident claim
To hold someone accountable, you need to prove they were negligent. This means showing that a party failed to follow safety rules, provide proper safety equipment, or comply with required safety regulations.
Start by gathering these details:
- An accident report filed with the construction company
- Photos of the area where the injury occurred
- Medical records showing the extent of your injury
- Witness statements from coworkers or supervisors
- Records of missing or faulty safety equipment
- Documentation of lack of training or broken safety protocols
Proving negligence is often the hardest part of a personal injury lawsuit after a construction accident. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help you build a strong case, especially when there are multiple parties involved.
What benefits can injured workers receive
If you were hurt on the job, you may be eligible for workers compensation, which covers medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes rehabilitation costs. But workers compensation has limits and does not allow you to sue your employer directly in most cases.
However, if another party — like a property owner, subcontractor, or manufacturer — was involved, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for additional damages, including non economic damages like pain and suffering.
Some of the most common injuries that lead to claims include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and internal bleeding
- Burns, lacerations, and hearing loss
- Sustained severe injuries requiring long term care
Local examples of unsafe construction conditions
In Baton Rouge, we’ve seen construction site injuries tied to poorly maintained scaffolding on Government Street, falling debris on multi level renovations near LSU, and exposed wiring at a River Road commercial site. These are not one offs. They reflect a pattern of safety shortcuts across many construction projects when crews are rushed or oversight is lacking.
Workers should not have to risk their lives because a project is behind schedule or someone failed to enforce safety measures.
Why legal support matters in construction injury cases
Holding a construction company or property owner accountable isn’t easy. The legal process can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from a serious injury. A construction accident lawyer understands how to navigate workers compensation, investigate construction related deaths, and identify every liable party involved.
From medical expenses and workers compensation benefits to third party lawsuits and lost wages, the right legal representation can make all the difference.
Get help from a construction accident lawyer at Rozas Law Firm
If you or a loved one has suffered a construction site injury in Louisiana, Rozas Law Firm is here to help you move forward. Our team has experience with complex cases involving unsafe worksites, defective equipment, and serious injuries. We’ll walk you through your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation with a construction accident lawyer who understands what’s at stake.
FAQ
What are the most common causes of construction accidents in Louisiana
Falls, falling objects, electrocution, and defective equipment are among the top causes. Lack of safety protocols and personal protective equipment also play a major role.
Can I sue the construction company if I was injured on site
It depends. If your employer was the construction company, you may be limited to a workers compensation claim. But if a subcontractor, site owner, or equipment maker was involved, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What if I was injured because another construction worker made a mistake
You may still have a valid claim, especially if that worker was employed by a different contractor or was not following safety standards. A lawyer can help identify all liable parties.
How do I prove negligence after a construction accident
You’ll need evidence like the accident report, medical records, photos of the scene, and witness statements. Safety violations and lack of proper training can also support your claim.
What costs can I recover after a construction site injury
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, non economic damages, and ongoing treatment. If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you could recover much more than workers compensation offers.
