Most Common Construction Injuries in Louisiana (2024)

Construction sites are one of the more dangerous worksites. Some of the most common construction injuries in Louisiana can cause catastrophic harm, disability, and long-term complications. Employees need to know how they can recover these financial losses.

While third parties and bystanders can be injured when an accident occurs, construction site employees are at a much higher risk of injury every day. In Louisiana in 2022, there were 120 fatal occupational injuries reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and over 70 were attributed to different areas of construction.

Common Construction Site Injuries

Numerous health and safety regulations are in place to make construction sites as safe as possible and prevent injury. Unfortunately, these laws are not always followed, and corners may be cut in the name of profit. This can lead to one or many employees and other individuals suffering serious injury or even death.

Acts of negligence could also lead to someone’s injuries, and this can be grounds for a personal injury claim. Employees do not need to prove negligence to recover compensation for their injuries. More serious injuries can mean more significant compensation in a claim. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Fractures: Broken bones can be caused by falls, trips, slips, and many other accidents that cause a traumatic impact. Some of the most serious fractures include skull fractures.
• Lacerations and Punctures: While these injuries can sometimes be mild, they can also be deep and serious, requiring long-term care and recovery. Some puncture wounds can result in tetanus.
• Crushing Injuries: Crushing injuries can involve multiple fractures and require amputation. They can be caused by errors or malfunctions of dangerous machinery and equipment used on the construction site.
• Burns and Electrocution: There are numerous potential electrical and fire hazards on a construction site, from unfinished wiring to dangerous substances. Some of these can even combine and cause an explosion, which is one of the most deadly accidents on construction sites. These injuries can cause long-term disfigurement and require substantial surgery to heal.
• Heat Stroke: Construction work largely happens outside during warm months. When employees overexert and are dehydrated, they are more likely to suffer heat stroke. Untreated heat stroke can be deadly.
• Blindness: Vision loss or blindness can be caused by toxic exposure, debris, or an explosion, leading to temporary or permanent disability.
• Deafness: Loss of hearing and deafness can be caused by long-term exposure to loud noises on a construction site or from sudden noises.
• Toxic Exposure Illness: Construction sites are full of dangerous substances. The consequences of exposure to these substances can build up over time, leading to illnesses. Even breathing in dust and debris for a long period of time can lead to long-term respiratory issues.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to a spinal cord can cause pain and nerve damage, or it can result in partial or full paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by falls.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Blunt force trauma from falls, falling objects, and collapsing structures can cause brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to permanent disabilities.
• Amputation: Limb loss can be caused during an accident or be required afterward due to crushing injuries and other harm.

Common Causes of Construction Site Injuries

Of the 120 fatal occupational injuries reported by the BLS in 2022, 37 were in private industry construction. Of these 37 fatal injuries, 12 were caused by falls, trips, and slips, and 12 others were caused by exposure to substances or environments. Seven were caused by contact with equipment or other objects.

The same table also reports 34 fatalities in construction and extraction industries: 12 caused by falls, 11 caused by harmful exposure, 6 caused by contact with objects, and 5 from transportation accidents.

Construction site accidents may happen despite proper precautions, but they can also occur because employers, property owners, or manufacturers cut corners. Some of these cases allow for a personal injury claim, even for employees.

FAQs

What Is the Most Common Injury Suffered by Construction Workers?

There are many common injuries suffered by construction workers, including:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Burns
• Electrocution
• Crushing injuries
• Vision loss
• Facial trauma
• Hearing loss
• Heat stroke
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Amputations
• Traumatic brain injury
• Developmental illnesses from hazardous exposure
• Wrongful death

Falls are a common cause of injuries and fatalities on construction sites, causing injuries like neck and back injuries, head and brain damage, spinal cord damage, and numerous fractures.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Fatal Injuries on a Construction Site?

The most common cause of fatal injuries on construction sites in Louisiana are from falls, trips, and slips, based on 2022 information gathered by the BLS. Employees often work at high heights, increasing the severity of the injury if a fall occurs. There are many other causes of fatal and nonfatal injuries on construction sites, such as:

• Heat exhaustion and dehydration
• Transportation accidents
• Structural collapses
• Dangerous machinery
• Hazardous chemicals
• Falling objects
• Electrical shock or electrocution
• Fires and explosions

How Can a Construction Accident Attorney Help?

It is easier to file a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim with the help of a construction accident attorney, and you are more likely to recover the optimal amount of compensation that is available. An attorney can help with:

• Meeting filing deadlines
• Answering your questions about your case
• Determining what claim or claims you are able to file
• Investigating the accident to determine fault if needed
• Discussing with the relevant insurance company
• Gathering evidence of your injuries and other damages

How Much Compensation Can You Recover in a Construction Injury Claim?

The amount of compensation you can recover in a construction injury claim depends on the injuries and other losses you sustained. More serious injuries generally result in higher economic and noneconomic damages, and a settlement must be higher to compensate for those losses.

There are also other factors that influence whether you can recover maximum financial compensation. This includes if you share partial liability for the accident, what type of claim you are filing, and if you have legal representation.

Work With Skilled Attorneys at the Cox Law Firm

If you were injured as an employee or bystander at a construction site, it is important that you find a skilled construction accident attorney. Your attorney can determine if you are able to recover compensation and how to maximize your financial compensation. Contact the Cox Law Firm today.