Louisiana’s maritime, industrial, and oilfield workers risk their lives every shift – on offshore platforms, wells, vessel decks, and construction sites. Explosions and burns, crushings, drownings, and falls- when Louisiana’s most dangerous industries result in catastrophic injuries or death, Louisiana families need local lawyers who pursue every avenue of recovery. At Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, our reputation was built on successfully fighting for offshore workers, merchant seamen, and roughnecks suffering from severe injuries along Louisiana’s industrial corridor and gulf waters. For over 40 years, we’ve been the law firm Louisiana’s blue-collar heroes trust when life-altering injuries demand real justice.
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Central Louisiana’s Leading Maritime and Industrial Catastrophic Injury Firm
When workplace falls, explosions, and crushings cause paralysis, severe burns, wrongful death, or traumatic brain injuries, Louisiana’s workers’ comp benefits help, but can often fall tragically short when Louisiana families lose breadwinners. When catastrophic injuries occur in offshore accidents, vessel incidents, or plant explosions, medical bills stack up and lives are forever changed. The maritime & industrial injury attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have the experience you need to go beyond basic comp claims and pursue vessel owners, contractors, and manufacturers whose negligence caused your catastrophic injuries. Because minimum benefits don’t cover catastrophic injuries.
Our Alexandria Attorneys have Fought for Louisiana’s injured roughnecks, mariners, and industrial workers since 1982.
Louisiana’s Maritime Injury Lawyers | Central Louisiana’s Leading Jones Act & Offshore Accident Attorneys
For over 40 years, the offshore injury attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have been Louisiana’s maritime law firm, securing life-changing compensation for offshore workers, merchant seamen, and vessel crews suffering catastrophic injuries or families devastated by wrongful death. From platform explosions to vessel accidents in the Gulf or coming to shore, we know maritime law provides greater recovery than workers’ comp – and we fight to get every dollar our seaman and their families deserve.
Maritime law covers marine shipping, commerce, and the transportation of passengers. Maritime law also covers the operation of offshore oil rigs and docks. That means that severe injuries sustained by a passenger or maritime worker, whether in a commercial or recreational setting, may fall under admiralty or maritime law.
Jones Act Maritime Law & Other Louisiana Related Laws for Offshore Injuries
In Louisiana, several laws protect those who have been injured in a maritime or offshore incident. Federal legislation includes the Jones Act. Enacted in 1920, this law allows seamen who are injured on the job to bring a personal injury lawsuit against their employer. Atypically for maritime laws, plaintiffs have the right to a jury trial under the Jones Act.
For those not covered by the Jones Act (such as harbor workers), the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) fills in the gap by guaranteeing workers’ compensation for on-the-job maritime injuries. Benefits are paid out either through the employer’s insurance or through the Department of Labor.
Under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), if someone dies at sea because of the negligence of another person, the family of the deceased may bring a suit against the negligent party. The negligent party could be a company or an individual. Like the Jones Act and the LHWCA, DOHSA is federal law.
With a long coastline and an economy that relies heavily on fishing, shipping, and offshore oil, maritime laws are important to Louisiana’s offshore workers. Many workers in the state are protected under the Jones Act. The state of Louisiana also has its own strict regulations on boating and shipping safety equipment to protect both recreational boaters and workers. If these regulations are violated, we will hold the at-fault parties responsible for the recovery you deserve.
Why Louisiana’s Injured Maritime Workers Choose Neblett, Beard & Arsenault
Maritime Law and Jones Act Claims Are What Our Firm Was Built On:
- Seasoned Jones Act Lawyers far before Deepwater Horizon
- Veteran Admiralty trial attorneys who do not take minimal settlements for severe injuries
- A Louisiana firm with a deep understanding of vessel operations and the Gulf South offshore industry
Our Louisiana and Mississippi Maritime Injury Attorneys Excel In:
- Jones Act seaman claims
- Unseaworthiness lawsuits
- Maintenance and cure disputes
- Longshore (LHWCA) claims
- Wrongful deaths occurring in offshore and inland waters
- Platform and rig accidents and explosions
- Vessel collisions
- Injuries at docks and harbors
Pipeline Explosion Injuries
Offshore pipeline explosions cause extremely serious injuries, including:
- Burns
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Severe neck and back trauma
- Amputations and permanent loss of function
- Disfigurement
Injuries of this severity require long-term medical treatment and often result in the long-term loss of earning ability. Simply put, an offshore pipeline explosion injury carries tremendous physical, emotional, and financial costs for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an offshore pipeline explosion, the offshore injury lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault can help. We’ll review your case to determine if it merits inclusion within a class action claim or as an individual legal suit. Results are how we measure success – we’ve built a strong reputation both in and out of the courtroom, and we’ll put our experience and expertise to work on your behalf.
Catastrophic Maritime Injuries to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas Workers We Handle:
Offshore Platform Accidents
- Explosions and fires
- Crane accidents and dropped objects
- Falls from height and on slick decks
- Equipment malfunctions
- Helicopter crashes
- Chemical exposures
Vessel Accidents
- Collisions and allisions
- Man overboard and drownings
- Winch and cable injuries
- Gangway accidents
- Engine room burns
- Confined space crushings
Common Catastrophic Injuries to Gulf Seamen
- Traumatic brain injuries from falls
- Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis
- Crush injuries requiring surgeries and amputations
- Severe burns from explosions
- Drowning and oxygen deprivation
- Wrongful death leaving families and loved ones behind
We Know Louisiana-Specific Maritime Dangers:
Gulf of Mexico Risks
- Hurricane evacuations gone wrong
- Deepwater drilling hazards
- Long helicopter flights to platforms
- Rough seas in weather windows
- Delayed rescue in remote waters
River and Inland Waters
- Mississippi River traffic
- Injuries in Basin operations
- Intracoastal Waterway accidents
- Lake Charles industrial canal
- Port and harbor operations on the Mississippi and Gulf
Industry-Specific Hazards
- Oil and gas exploration
- Vessel repairs and shipyards
- Commercial fishing
- Cargo operations
- Pipeline and cable laying
Our Leading Maritime Injury Lawyers Will Fight for You – Contact Us Today:
- 24/7 Maritime Hotline: (318) 561-2500
- Online: Free Case Evaluation
40+ Years of Maritime Excellence fighting for Louisiana’s offshore workers. From the rigs to the rivers, when Louisiana’s maritime workers need maximum compensation for life-changing severe injuries, Louisiana families trust our Alexandria offshore injury attorneys to stand by their side. Our firm also has licensed attorneys in Texas and Mississippi, which allows our maritime lawyers to fight for offshore workers across the Gulf-South’s offshore industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Offshore Injuries and Wrongful Deaths
Question: What should I do if I have suffered a maritime injury?
Answer: You should seek medical attention, taking care to document your injuries thoroughly. You should also seek legal advice to make sure your rights are protected. Our veteran maritime injury lawyers can help.
Question: How do I know if I’m protected under the Jones Act?
Answer: If you are a “seaman,” you are protected. Generally, this means you are connected to a particular vessel or fleet and spend a significant portion of your working time at sea. You’re likely covered if you:
- Spend 30% or more of work time on vessels
- Work on drilling rigs or platforms
- Crew boats, tugs, or supply vessels
- Serve on dredges or derrick barges
- Work aboard any vessel in navigation
Common Jones Act Workers in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi include:
- Deckhands and able seamen
- Engineers and oilers
- Cooks and galley hands
- Crane operators on vessels
- Drilling crews on jack-ups
- Dynamic positioning operators
Question: What if my injury was caused by an unsafe vessel?
Answer: Sometimes, injuries occur not because of a specific individual’s negligence, but because the vessel was unseaworthy or the crew unqualified. In this case, you may bring an unseaworthiness claim.
Question: If I work on a rig or a dredge, am I protected under the Jones Act?
Answer: Yes. According to the Jones Act, those are sea vessels.
Question: What if my injury was an illness due to chemical inhalation or other dangerous exposure?
Answer: Legally, this can still be considered an injury, and we have experience handling offshore injuries caused by dangerous exposures.
Question: If I’m a dockworker or a longshoreman, am I protected under the law?
Answer: Dockworkers are not specifically protected under the Jones Act, but the LHWCA provides protection. If you were injured, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
Question: What if my employer contests my workers’ compensation claim?
Answer: If you are being denied compensation, you should seek an attorney’s help to protect your rights. The Jones Act allows full damage recovery, including pain and suffering, complete wage loss, and jury trials. Workers’ comp typically provides only limited benefits with no compensation for pain and suffering.
Question: What kind of damages might I receive?
Answer: In a personal injury case for an offshore accident under the Jones Act, you can receive damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, pains and suffering, disfigurement, and more. Even if you have filed for comp, you may still have Jones Act rights. We can help evaluate a potential transition from state workers’ comp to federal maritime claims, which can result in significantly higher recoveries on average. Don’t let filing workers’ comp stop you from exploring rights under maritime law. We can help.
Question: Why do I need an attorney if I suffered a maritime injury?
Answer: Often, whoever is responsible for your injury will want to avoid compensating you. That party will likely have a litigation team, so it’s important to have an attorney on your side who will pursue the compensation you deserve.
Serving maritime workers throughout Louisiana for over four decades: Offshore platforms in the Gulf, Mississippi River vessels, Port of South Louisiana, Port of New Orleans, Lake Charles, Houma, Morgan City, Venice, Fourchon, and all Gulf South waters. Veteran maritime attorneys fighting for seamen in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.
Our industry experience: Louisiana’s blue-collar workers injured by drilling contractors, vessel operators, oil majors, service companies, tugboat companies, crew boat operators, and maritime operations across the offshore industry.
Oil Rig Accident Injury Attorneys – Your Louisiana Offshore Lawyers for Explosions, Platform Accidents, Burns, and Rig Collapses
If you or a loved one works on an oil rig, you know how dangerous a workplace accident can be and how severe injuries can devastate lives. Injuries suffered on an oil rig are often severe and include burns, broken bones, crushed appendages, and head or spine trauma. The injuries are more serious because you’re dealing with larger equipment, harmful chemicals, and dangerous machinery.
The oil rig accident injury lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have devoted over four decades to representing severely injured victims on oil rigs across the state of Louisiana from Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, Lafayette, Alexandria and offshore waters off New Orleans and Houston’s coasts. Our injury attorneys understand 28/14 rotations and have decades of offshore injury trial experience, achieving top verdicts and maximum recovery for our clients.
Contact our offshore injury attorneys today at (318) 561-2500, or submit an online request for a free evaluation of your case.
Louisiana Attorneys. Decades of Handling Drilling Rig and Offshore Injuries.
We know how difficult and demanding your job as an oil rig worker is – and if you are seriously injured, your livelihood and your ability to provide for your family may be in jeopardy. Our oil rig accident lawyers also know that too many injuries on rigs and platforms are preventable and that your injuries may be the result of unsafe working conditions or defective equipment. Oil rig accidents can happen for a variety of reasons.
Common causes of severe injury:
- Defective drilling rigs, wellheads, and other drilling machinery
- Improperly designed or installed safety features
- Well blowouts and gas leaks igniting
- Structural damage to the rig and collapse
- Hot work accidents from welding, cutting, and grinding
- Hazardous weather conditions
Life-Altering Injuries to Louisiana’s drillers and roughnecks:
- Severe burns requiring skin grafts
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) from falls/impacts
- Spine injuries (cervical, lumbar, and thoracic) causing herniations, fractures, and even paralysis
- PTSD from catastrophic offshore events
We know how to investigate and win fatal offshore accidents:
- Platform explosions
- Falls from height and overboard
- Electrocutions
- Chemical/H2S exposure and vapor ignite
- Crushing injuries between heavy equipment or tight spaces
- Transportation crashes to and from rigs and platforms
Over 40 years fighting for offshore workers injured by Gulf operators:
- Large oil companies
- Drilling contractors
- Service companies
- Equipment and chemical suppliers
- Helicopter and vessel operators
Our nationally recognized product liability attorneys and experienced Louisiana maritime attorneys have combined to handle injuries to Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi offshore workers caused by defective products and equipment. We have the experience to handle severe injuries and fatalities caused by:
- Defective BOP systems, valves, and seals
- Faulty safety equipment
- Unsafe cranes, winches, and cables
- Failed fire suppression and respiratory devices
- Inadequate lifeboats, rafts, and floatation devices
Get Louisiana’s Premier Oil Rig Injury Lawyers
The offshore injury lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have decades of experience handling severe injuries and wrongful death cases that occurred off the coast of Houston, New Orleans, and the Mississippi coast. We have the resources to take on at-fault companies, contractors, and equipment manufacturers, and we have a long history of delivering top verdicts and maximum settlements for safety failures on rigs and platforms.
40+ Years Fighting for Injured Offshore Workers: From the Gulf to the courtroom. When Louisiana’s hardest workers face life-altering injuries, we deliver the maximum recovery you deserve.
Serving Oil Rig Workers in All Offshore Industries: Platforms off Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Shallow water shelf rigs to deepwater drilling, we protect the injured workers who power America and their families.
Contact Our Louisiana Oil Rig Accident Attorneys:
- 24/7 Offshore Injury Hotline: (318) 561-2500
- Immediate Online Responses: Free Case Evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Oil Rig Injuries to Gulf Workers
What if my company says I’m a contractor, not a seaman?
Many oil companies misclassify workers to avoid Jones Act liability. If you spent 30% or more of your time on the rig or vessel, you likely qualify as a seaman regardless of your paper classification. Our offshore injury attorneys can help evaluate your particular duties and explore all available avenues of recovery.
What if multiple parties are at fault for the accident?
Maritime law uses comparative fault – most rig accidents involve multiple operators and contractors, and are caused by different contributing factors. We pursue maximum recovery from all parties responsible for your severe injuries or the death to your loved one.
What if my injuries prevent returning to my offshore work?
We work with vocational experts to determine if/when you can return offshore, or if you need retraining for onshore work. Full wage loss is recoverable. We understand 28/14, 28/28, 21/21, and other offshore-rig rotations and pursue lost earning capacity, overtime, bonuses, per diem, and shore leave for severely injured and killed offshore workers.
Alexandria Train Accident Lawyers | Central Louisiana Railroad Injury Attorneys
When Union Pacific, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, or other railroad companies’ negligence causes catastrophic train accidents in Louisiana, you need attorneys with a proven track record of courtroom victories and maximum recoveries for injured victims.
Neblett, Beard & Arsenault’s train accident lawyers have served as court-appointed lead counsel in multiple Louisiana train derailments and have represented Louisiana families in wrongful death train impacts, recovering millions for victims. For over 40 years, our severe injury and wrongful death attorneys have relentlessly fought for victims against companies that put profit over safety.
Train Accidents We Handle Throughout Louisiana
Railroad Crossing Accidents in Rapides Parish and throughout Central Louisiana
Louisiana has over 3000 at-grade railroad crossings with public roads. Unfortunately, our Bayou State is one of the top 10 states in the nation for railroad crossing collisions. The volume of at-grade railroad crossings over public and private roads, particularly in rural parishes in Louisiana, creates unique and dangerous intersections where trains and cars meet, and Louisianans are severely injured and killed.
Central Louisiana’s numerous unguarded and poorly maintained railroad crossings pose a deadly hazard. We pursue maximum compensation for train-vehicle collisions at crossings on:
- Highway 28 railroad crossings between Alexandria and Pineville
- Union Pacific crossings along MacArthur Drive
- Kansas City Southern tracks through Ball and Tioga
- Rural parish road crossings in Grant, Avoyelles, and Vernon parishes
- Spur crossings serving industrial facilities in Rapides Parish
Train Derailments from Shreveport to Lake Charles
In North America, there are six Class-1 railroads, and Louisiana is one of only three states in which all six operate. Louisiana’s aging rail infrastructure and hazardous cargo transportation on rail lines create catastrophic derailment risks. Our experienced attorneys investigate train derailments across Louisiana involving:
- Chemical spills from tank cars carrying chlorine, ammonia, or crude oil
- Toxic exposure forces evacuations of rural Louisiana residents
- Track defects on Louisiana’s major rail lines and short rail lines
- Equipment failures include power brake, electrical, and mechanical failures
- Human error by fatigued crews, unmanned railroad crossings, and excessive speeds
Pedestrian Train Accidents
Nationally, more than 2,000 incidents and 200 fatalities occur at grade crossings every year. Even when someone is on railroad property, companies must maintain reasonable safety measures.
Our Louisiana injury attorneys have handled thousands of severe injury and fatality cases, and we have the expertise needed to fight for your rights when:
- Children are injured near unfenced tracks in residential areas
- Attractive nuisances cause severe injury with train equipment
- Inadequate warning systems result in fatalities at private crossings
- Failures to sound horns or warnings at Louisiana crossings
- Excessive train speeds through Alexandria, Pineville, and other populated Louisiana crossing areas
Catastrophic Injuries from Louisiana Train Accidents
Train accidents almost always result in devastating injuries, and many end with the wrongful death of a loved one. Our Louisiana train accident attorneys represent severely injured victims and families devastated by:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) from Train Collisions
- Cognitive impairment requiring 24/7 care
- Lost earning capacity calculations for Louisiana workers
- Future medical costs at specialized care facilities
- Home modifications for brain-injured train accident survivors
Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
- Paraplegia and quadriplegia from train-vehicle impacts
- Lifetime wheelchair and adaptive equipment costs
- Specialized transportation needs
- Loss of consortium claims for spouses
Amputations & Crush Injuries
- Loss of limbs from being struck by trains
- Prosthetic devices and ongoing adjustments
- Vocational retraining for railroad workers
- Psychological trauma and PTSD treatment
Burn Injuries and Exposures from Train Derailments
- Chemical burns from hazmat spills
- Thermal burns from diesel fuel fires
- Skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries
- Scarring and disfigurement damages
- Exposure to toxic substances causes respiratory conditions and cancer
Contact Central Louisiana’s Premier Train Accident & Railroad Injury Law Firm
Court-Recognized Railroad Litigation Leaders statewide • $10+ Billion Recovered for Severe Injury, Wrongful Death, and Defective Product Victims.
24/7 Emergency Response: (318) 561-2500
Immediate Online Contact: Contact Form
Free Consultation • No Fee Unless We Win
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Injuries and Fatalities from Louisiana Train Accidents & Derailments
How long do I have to file a train accident lawsuit in Louisiana?
Generally, you have two years from the accident date. However, FELA claims for injured railroad workers have a three-year deadline, and there are nuanced exceptions for exposure cases affecting residential areas, causing long-term medical risks. Don’t wait – evidence is cleaned up quickly in railroad cases, and an immediate investigation is crucial for building your case.
What if my loved one was severely injured or killed while trespassing on railroad property?
Railroad companies still owe a duty of care even to trespassers in many situations. Louisiana law recognizes a “modified” comparative fault rule. Injured victims’ recoveries will be reduced, but not necessarily barred, by their percentage of fault. We have experience investigating catastrophic accidents and focusing investigations on the negligent conduct of companies that fail to adequately protect the well-being of Louisiana residents.
Can I sue if a loved one died in a train accident?
Yes. Louisiana wrongful death law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation. Our Louisiana wrongful death attorneys have over 150 years of combined experience securing maximum recovery for the families of lost loved ones. From train-vehicle collisions, derailments, motor vehicle collisions, and pedestrian accidents- we fight for families in Central Louisiana and all across the state.
What if the train accident happened at a private railroad crossing?
Private crossings in Louisiana still require adequate warnings based on several factors, including usage and visibility. We investigate sight distances, vegetation overgrowths, lack of visible signage, and whether the railroad knew or should have known about hazardous conditions. Many private crossings in rural Louisiana lack the proper safety devices necessary to protect Louisiana residents.
Do I need experienced railroad accident lawyers?
Absolutely. Litigating a severe injury or death case caused by a train or railroad company involves federal regulations, complex evidence, and well-funded defense teams. Our shared court appointments as lead counsel in major Louisiana derailments demonstrate the specialized expertise needed. General personal injury firms often miss critical railroad-specific claims. We’ve won tens of millions for train accident injury victims in Louisiana, and we would like to fight for you during this difficult time.
Louisiana Communities We Serve Along Rail Lines
Central Louisiana: Rapides, Avoyelles, Grant, and LaSalle Parish: Alexandria, Pineville, Ball, Tioga, Deville, Marksville, Bunkie, Hessmer, Mansura, Cottonport, Simmesport, Jena, Winnfield, Georgetown, Dry Prong, Colfax, Boyce
North Louisiana: Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston, Natchitoches, Many, Coushatta, Vivian, Minden, Jonesboro, Arcadia, Farmerville
Southwest Louisiana: Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake, DeRidder, Leesville, Oakdale, Kinder, Oberlin, Iowa, Welsh, Jennings, Crowley, Rayne, Scott
I-49, I-20 & I-10 Corridors: All Louisiana communities where roadways parallel or cross major rail lines, creating increased accident risks at grade crossings to our loved ones. All Louisiana communities where roadways parallel or cross major rail lines, creating increased accident risks at grade crossings to our loved ones.
Alexandria Construction Accident Lawyers | Central Louisiana Construction Injury Attorneys
When safety violations at Louisiana construction sites cause severe injuries or death, families who have lost financial support need more than reduced workers’ compensation.
For over 40 years, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault’s Louisiana injury attorneys have recovered over $10 billion for severely injured and wrongful death victims. Our Louisiana construction injury attorneys have the industry knowledge to pursue third-party claims against negligent contractors, unsafe property owners, and defective equipment manufacturers across the state. We take immediate action to investigate OSHA violations, hazardous working conditions, and multi-party liability to maximize your recovery.
Accidents to Workers at Construction & Industrial Sites We Handle Throughout Louisiana
Fatal Falls at Central Louisiana Job Sites
Around 1 in 5 workplace deaths occur in the construction industry, and more than 1/3 of those deaths are caused by falls, trips, and slips.
In Central Louisiana, we see deadly falls caused by:
- Refinery projects: scaffold collapses, unguarded platforms, defective harnesses
- Power plant maintenance: roof work without fall protection
- Commercial & Residential Construction: ladder accidents, unprotected floor openings, collapsed roofs
- Bridge work over Mississippi & Red River: inadequate safety nets
Electrocutions at Louisiana’s Industrial Construction Sites
Louisiana’s petrochemical and power generation construction creates unique electrical hazards:
- Overhead power line contacts by cranes at industrial sites, front-line service workers in hurricane season
- Arc flash burns during substation and plant construction
- Faulty temporary wiring at refinery turnarounds and commercial builds
- Ungrounded equipment at oil and gas facilities
- Wet-weather electrocutions during Louisiana’s rainy season
- Lightning strikes exposed workers without proper safety protections on site
Struck-By Accidents from North Louisiana’s Oil Patch to Southwest Louisiana’s Petro-Industries
Flying objects and falling tools cause severe injuries at Louisiana construction and industrial sites:
- Dropped Loads at port facilities and from high scaffolding
- Bucket accidents during high-rise construction and power line repairs
- Falling tools from platforms at refinery maintenance and oilpatch operations
- Vehicle backover accidents in highway construction zones
- Flying debris at residential and commercial construction strikes
Crushing Injuries at Louisiana Construction Sites
Heavy equipment and excavation create crushing hazards throughout Louisiana’s industrial corridor:
- Equipment rollovers
- Crushed between heavy equipment and tight structures
- Concrete and structure collapses
- Machinery entanglements
Beyond Workers’ Comp: Third-Party Construction Accident Claims in Louisiana
Workers’ compensation is NOT your only option. Louisiana law allows injured construction workers to pursue additional compensation from potential at-fault parties:
- General Contractors & Subcontractors
- Property owners, developers, and homeowners
- Equipment manufacturers and scaffolding companies
- Architects & Engineers
Third-Party Claims Provide Additional Recovery after Catastrophic Accidents:
- Full lost wages – Not just 66⅔% % like workers’ comp
- Pain and suffering – A Major component of damages workers’ comp doesn’t cover
- Loss of enjoyment of life – When you can’t enjoy activities and quality time with family due to severe injury
- Future medical costs – Beyond what workers’ comp approves to enable your continued care
- Loss of consortium – Spouse’s claim for impacts to the relationship
Catastrophic Construction Injuries Requiring Lifetime Care
- Traumatic Brain Injuries– Falls and struck-by accidents cause devastating brain injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis– structure collapses, crush injuries, falls from height
- Severe Burn Injuries– electrical and chemical burns, explosions
- Amputations & Crush Injuries– Equipment accidents, devastating losses of limbs and appendages
Our construction injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in: scaffolding collapses resulting in quadriplegia; trench cave-ins resulting in paralysis; crane accidents causing death and severe spinal injuries; and fatalities from falls from unprotected structures. We can help build your case and deliver the maximum recovery you and your family deserve.
OSHA Violations at Louisiana Construction Sites: Common OSHA Violations We Investigate
Common OSHA Violations We Investigate:
- Fall Protection (1926.501) – Missing guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems
- Scaffolding (1926.451) – Improper assembly, inadequate planking, no competent person inspection
- Ladder Safety (1926.1053) – Wrong ladder type, improper angle, damaged equipment
- Electrical (1926.95) – No GFCI protection, damaged cords, improper grounding
- Trenching (1926.652) – No shoring/shielding in excavations over 5 feet
- PPE (1926.95) – Missing hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection
- Hazard Communication (1926.59) – No SDS sheets for chemical
Contact Alexandria’s Construction & Industrial Accident Law Firm
Don’t let workers’ comp be your only recovery. Neblett, Beard & Arsenault’s construction accident lawyers have recovered millions for injured Louisiana workers by pursuing every liable party and insurance policy.
Free Consultation • No Fees Unless We Win
24/7 Emergency Response: (318) 561-2500
Contact Us Online: Online Form
Construction Accident FAQs: Louisiana Construction & Industrial Workers’ Rights
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident in Louisiana?
Generally, no, workers’ compensation is your exclusive remedy against your direct employer. However, we pursue claims against other contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and any third party whose negligence contributed to your injury. Many construction sites have multiple liable parties. However, there are instances of gross negligence and intentional conduct which may provide an avenue of recovery outside comp from your employer. We can assist you in evaluating these claims.
What if I was partially at fault for my construction accident?
Louisiana’s comparative fault law allows recovery even if you’re partially at fault. For example, if you’re 30% at fault, you still recover 70% of damages. We fight to minimize any fault attribution, showing how safety violations and inadequate training contributed to your severe injuries or a loved one’s death.
Should I give a recorded statement to the company or insurance adjuster?
NEVER give a recorded statement without consulting with an attorney. Company lawyers and insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case and diminish your ability to recover. We handle all incident and injury-related communications, protecting you from tactics designed to ultimately deny your claims.
Serving injured construction workers throughout Louisiana: Alexandria, Pineville, Shreveport, Monroe, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Natchitoches, Ruston, DeRidder, Leesville, Opelousas, and all communities along the I-49 and I-20 corridors.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Serving Alexandria and the entire state of Louisiana
Workers’ compensation benefits are intended to provide a financial safety net to help offset expenses while you are unable to work. However, Louisiana’s system can be difficult to navigate when you’re worried about how your injury will affect your long-term health.
At Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, we’re committed to helping injured workers access the benefits they need to protect themselves and their families. We can help you with your claim, so you’re free to focus on your recovery.
Types of Injuries and Illnesses Covered by Louisiana Workers’ Compensation
Louisiana workers’ compensation protects most full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers from their first day of employment, as well as some subcontractors or independent contractors. Benefits can be awarded for:
- Any unexpected or unforeseen event that causes a job-related injury. Heavy lifting accidents and slip and fall accidents are some of the most common types of workers’ compensation claims.
- Mental injuries resulting from a physical injury that occurred at the workplace, or extraordinary stress that stemmed from employment. An example of this might be PTSD that occurs from witnessing a robbery or being involved in an accident that led to permanent paralysis.
- Diseases that stem from toxic exposure or other conditions on the job. Occupational diseases are defined by Louisiana law as a disease or illness that is due to conditions characteristic of the particular trade in which the employee was exposed. An example of this would be a factory worker who is exposed to asbestos. The events that caused the injury must be within the scope of the employee’s employment duties.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you can still receive benefits even if your own inexperience or carelessness caused your injuries. However, there are some exceptions to coverage. For example, if the employee willfully caused the injury or if he or she was intoxicated at the time of the injury, workers’ compensation may not apply.
Get Your Free Book: What Every Louisiana Worker Needs To Know About Workers’ Compensation
Benefits Available to Workers Who Have Been Hurt on the Job in Louisiana
Workers’ compensation can encompass several different types of benefits, depending upon the severity of your injury. Your benefits may include:
Medical treatment.
As a claimant, you are entitled to all necessary medical services, including hospital bills and medical services, for your injury. This includes medicine and other non-medical treatment, such as chiropractic treatment, where warranted.
Mileage.
The employer must also compensate the individual for mileage expenses incurred by the employee for travel to and from medical services. You should keep detailed records of your mileage to ensure that you are properly reimbursed.
Wage replacement.
Your employer must provide you with wage replacement benefits during the period that you are unable to work. These benefits provide two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a yearly state-approved maximum. They may be referred to as indemnity benefits.
Supplemental earnings benefits.
If you are able to return to work, but earning less than 90% of your original wage, you may be able to receive supplemental earnings benefits to cover two-thirds of the difference between your new position and the job you held at the time of your injury.
Vocational rehabilitation.
If the employee’s ability to earn wages has been reduced, the employer must provide vocational rehabilitation services. In some cases, this can include access to retraining programs.
Disability payments.
Permanent disability payments are available for individuals who are unable to hold any type of gainful employment, regardless of whether it matches their education, training, and qualifications.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Rights After a Workplace Accident or Injury
If you’ve been hurt at work, there are several steps you should take to protect your right to benefits.
Report the injury immediately.
Even if you think your pain is minor or your injury will heal on its own, your supervisor must document the accident to protect your eligibility for benefits. You have 30 days to report your injury, but it’s always best to tell your supervisor as soon as possible.
Request a copy of the incident report.
Your supervisor should prepare “First Report of Injury” and provide this document to the company’s workers’ compensation insurer. The insurer will then submit the form to the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Get medical care.
In an emergency, you can choose care from any hospital or doctor. For non-emergency care, you can choose any specialist approved to treat workers’ compensation injuries. However, if your care costs more than $750, the doctor will need to get approval from the insurer prior to treatment.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations.
It’s vital that you comply with your doctor’s treatment recommendations, including any activity restrictions. If you do not obtain the recommended treatment or engage in activities that would aggravate your injury, the insurer can deny your claim.
Keep a journal of your injuries.
This should include the date of the accident and the names of any eyewitnesses. Also, keep a daily log of how the injury is physically affecting your life.
Do not discuss your case with others.
One of the most common mistakes people make when seeking workers’ compensation benefits is discussing their case on social media or in public locations. Insurance companies often use private investigators to monitor the activity of people who are seeking benefits.
Submit to any requested medical exam.
Your employer can request that you be examined by a company-provided doctor. If you do not agree to this exam, your benefits can be temporarily suspended. However, if your doctor and your employer’s doctor disagree about your treatment, you may be eligible to request an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
How the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault Can Help
Workers’ compensation benefits are calculated using formulas provided by the state, but you can maximize your compensation by making sure you follow all set guidelines for documenting your condition. The easiest way to do this is to work with an attorney to prepare your claim.
The attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have been representing individuals with workplace injuries for almost 40 years. We have assisted Louisiana clients from Alexandria, Lake Charles, Shreveport, Lafayette, and Monroe. Our firm has a thorough understanding of Louisiana workers’ compensation law and we utilize our extensive background in workers’ compensation cases to best assist our clients.
Some of the many types of cases we handle include
Catastrophic injuries.
A catastrophic injury is defined as paralysis, amputation, or the loss of both eyes. Catastrophic injury victims are entitled to a one-time lump sum payment in addition to the standard Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits.
Previously denied claims.
If you have already filed a Louisiana workers’ compensation claim but have been denied, we are here to help. Our legal team understands the various levels of workers’ compensation appeal procedures and will work to help you receive the settlement you deserve.
Death benefits.
If your loved one was killed in a work-related accident, we can assist you in obtaining the death benefits that are available for spouses, children, and other dependents.
Work-related car accidents.
If you’re injured in a work-related car accident caused by a third-party, you may be able to file a personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits. This is beneficial because the car accident claim can pay for your pain and suffering as well as any associated property damage.
Dog bite injuries.
Door-to-door salespeople, home healthcare workers, delivery drivers, and those who make home repairs are vulnerable to dog bites on the job. As with work-related car accidents, dog bite injuries may be eligible for a personal injury claim as well as Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits.
If you believe you may have a case, contact our firm immediately. We can evaluate your claim, answer your questions, and tell you how we will proceed. Even if you’re not sure you can get compensation, let’s talk. We provide legal representation throughout the state of Louisiana and will even come to you if your injuries prevent you from traveling to our Alexandria office. Cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis, so there is no initial cost for representation.
what our clients are saying
Over forty years fighting for injured victims in Louisiana. Thousands of lives changed. Here’s what matters the most – our clients’ thoughts about our relentless advocacy:
My experience here was the best. I chose an out-of-town attorney who felt I would not win my case, and gave up on us. If you have second thoughts about Mike Koch, don’t do it. He’s the best as soon as we sat in his office he assess all paperwork pictures of our case and immediately said we can win. From that day forward, he became not only our attorney, but family his heart went out to us. Losing our father was the worst thing ever, especially how he was taken away from us was devastating. He never gave up on us and always gave his full undivided attention. It could be late night or early morning I would think of something about the case and text him. I never expect a return text because it was after hours and he would probably respond back during business hours, but to my surprise I got a response. I’ll look into it tomorrow great find or we would text back-and-forth. He always thought about us and called to make sure we were OK, and didn’t need anything. He didn’t have to do that but he did. Even after the case is over he still check on us and make sure we’re OK. Mike Koch would forever be my attorney/ family …..
Victoria D. – Wrongful Death Client
Wesley Gralapp has been an absolute lifesaver for me! After being involved in two separate car accidents, I was completely overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Thankfully, I found Wesley, and he expertly guided me through every step of the process. His knowledge and expertise in handling car accident cases are unmatched. He took the time to listen to my concerns, thoroughly investigate the incidents, and build a strong case on my behalf. What impressed me most was his dedication and commitment to ensuring I received fair compensation for my injuries and damages. Wesley’s professionalism, empathy, and genuine care for his clients make him an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance after a car accident. He truly goes above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.
Skye S. – Car Accident Client
