Louisiana is well-known in the energy industry, specifically in natural gas. They are also prolific in agribusiness and crude oil. These resources are important for our country, but they do come with risks that can affect workers. Knowing which industries drive the most personal injury claims in Louisiana can help you discover your rights after a workplace injury.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Louisiana
At Sanchez Burke, LLC, we know how frustrating a workplace injury can be. Large companies that cut corners should be held responsible for the injuries that come from this negligence. Our experience can help improve the outlook of your claim.
Which Industries Drive the Most Personal Injury Claims in Louisiana?
The industries that result in the most personal injury claims both have many employees and involve some level of risk. The industries that meet both criteria in Louisiana include:
- Energy companies. Companies like Valero and ExxonMobil use Louisiana residents to extract oil and gas. These industries provide many local jobs, but they also introduce hazards related to oil rigs and energy plants. An accident often leads to serious injuries.
- Manufacturing plants. Louisiana is a major producer of ethylene, gasoline, and jewelry. Many people across the country rely on these products for daily life, but they do come with their share of risks. Chemicals can be volatile, and explosions can lead to burns and exposure to toxic materials.
- Chemical refining. Many chemicals need to be artificially created in plants. In Louisiana, major chemicals such as butane, propane, and plastic are produced at facilities like The Dow Chemical Company. These chemicals are important for energy production, but they are also highly flammable and can lead to explosions.
- Food production. Many large food brands got their start in Louisiana, including Community Coffee and Tabasco. The ingredients required to make these products are not inherently dangerous. However, the machines needed to refine these materials into their finished products can malfunction, leading to many workplace injuries.
- Agribusiness. Logging and mining companies also see their fair share of injuries. This is somewhat due to the nature of the work, but many workplace accidents can be prevented with proper safety training and equipment. Skipping out on inspections and cutting corners can cause serious injuries.
Louisiana produces almost 3 million barrels of crude oil daily. This is an impressive output. However, these impressive numbers sometimes mean sacrificing safety procedures that can lead to injury.
Personal Injury vs. Workers’ Compensation
Many people see personal injury claims as the same as workers’ compensation claims. However, they are two entirely separate processes. Both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation.
Workers’ compensation is a system that compensates employees for injuries without employers worrying about excessive legal claims. If you file a workers’ compensation claim, you are usually not able to file a personal injury claim as well. However, the level of proof required is substantially less than in a personal injury claim.
If you believe that your employer was negligent in a way that directly caused your injuries, you might be better off filing a personal injury claim. This can get you more compensation, but it is also more difficult to prove.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Victims of a workplace accident often struggle to figure out what claim to file. An attorney can help explain the difference between a personal injury claim and a workers’ compensation claim and which one to file.
After this decision is made, an attorney can further help your claim by making sure that your claim is filed on time. Each type of claim has different time limits that you have to file under. Missing that deadline can lead to your claim being rejected. An attorney can help make sure that does not happen and file the paperwork correctly.
Why Choose Us?
Sanchez Burke helps victims of workplace accidents determine what to do next. Everyone’s case looks different. Our small size allows us to apply an individualized strategy to every case, maximizing the chances of success.
FAQs
How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take in Louisiana?
How long a personal injury claim takes in Louisiana varies. The time depends a lot on how much you are asking for. Smaller injuries often require less money and can be resolved fairly quickly. However, large injuries that result in large medical costs often require more money, which can take a long time to settle.
Who Is Responsible for a Work-Related Personal Injury Claim?
Who is responsible for a work-related personal injury claim depends on how it happened. If the personal injury occurred at work, it could have been caused by an employer failing to maintain a safe working environment. It could also have been caused by an employee who was not properly trained or by reckless behavior that led to the accident.
Can I Go Back to Work After a Personal Injury Claim Against My Company?
You can go back to work after a personal injury claim against your company unless your company forbids it. In some cases, companies only agree to a settlement if you resign from your job. Depending on the details of your settlement, there may also be other restrictions that affect where you can work after you are paid out.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Personal Injury Claim?
You do not technically need an attorney for a personal injury claim, but it does help. Most personal injury claims are more likely to succeed with a personal injury lawyer. They also tend to recover more in damages than without a personal injury lawyer. It is not legally required, but having an attorney increases your claim benefits.
Stand Up for Yourself
Louisiana accounts for 9% of the nation’s natural gas production, the third largest among the 50 states. This can lead to injuries related to refineries and industrial plant explosions. If you are dealing with a workplace injury, schedule a consultation with Sanchez Burke.
