Louisiana Highway, Roadway & Bridge Worker Lawyer
Highway workers face the same injury risks as construction workers and pedestrians who are hit by speeding cars. That’s a serious injury risk.
Construction routinely sits at or near the top of those “most dangerous jobs” lists that appear from time to time. These workers generally work around very heavy equipment. Additionally, road construction schedules are very compressed. If one firm can’t get it done on time, the government is more than willing to go somewhere else.
As for pedestrian injuries, vehicle speed exponentially increases the risk of fatal injury. If the impact speed is below 25mph, the pedestrian fatality rate is below 10 percent. If the impact speed is greater than 65mph, as it almost always is on highways, the pedestrian death rate skyrockets to over 90 percent. Even if these victims survive, they normally sustain permanent injuries.
At Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, our Louisiana highway, roadway, and bridge worker lawyer knows what it takes to obtain maximum compensation for your serious injuries, and get you back on the job as quickly as possible.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits, which are available for trauma injuries and occupational diseases, usually include lost wage replacement and medical bill payment. These no-fault benefits do not require victims to prove fault, negligence, or anything else. However, issues are common.
Pre-existing conditions, which could affect trauma injuries and occupational diseases alike, are a good example. Phil’s bad ankle could contribute to the risk of a work-related fall or the injuries he sustains. Likewise, the loud noises at Phil’s workplace could adversely affect his hearing. However, Phil probably hears loud noises during his off-work hours as well.
Usually, pre-existing conditions don’t affect the amount of compensation. A Louisiana injured highway, roadway, and bridge worker lawyer must only prove that the pre-existing condition aggravated the work-related injury, as opposed to the other way around. Admittedly, that’s a very fine line. So, attorneys often partner with specialized doctors in these situations.
Speaking of the amount of compensation, this issue comes up a lot as well. For example, insurance adjusters quickly approve the cheapest medical treatment approach. However, they rarely approve the most effective approach.
The Workers’ Compensation Process in Louisiana
Legally, most injured workers must begin their claims within about ten days of their work-related injuries. A different rule often applies to occupational disease claims. Most victims don’t immediately see doctors when their joints are stiff, they have trouble breathing, or after other initial illness symptoms appear.
Back in the day, victims who filed workers’ compensation quickly obtained the benefits they needed. However, the initial denial rate has increased significantly in recent years. Usually, Claims Adjusters hope denials convince victims to drop their claims or settle them for much less than they’re worth. This approach often works, especially if the victim does not have an attorney at the initial stage.
At a subsequent Administrative Law Judge hearing, the environment shifts dramatically. Initial claims examinations are usually paper reviews that an insurance adjuster controls. At ALJ hearings, attorneys can introduce evidence, challenge evidence, and make legal arguments. This freedom greatly increases the chances of full claim payment.
Count On a Hard-Working Orleans Parish Attorney
Injury victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced Louisiana injured highway, roadway, and bridge worker lawyer, contact Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, LLC. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.
