Pipeline, Construction, and Industrial Injuries
At the Shelton Law Firm, we practice exclusively in the area of personal injury law, with a particular focus on representing injured pipeline, construction, and industrial workers.
Dangerous workplaces
Work-related injuries happen across all industries. However, because they are often caused by fires and explosions, injuries incurred during the construction and maintenance of pipelines tend to be more serious, involving longer recuperation periods and devastating personal and financial consequences. Likewise, compared to any private sector industry in the United States, the construction industry continues to incur the most fatalities as a result of work-related injuries. Common accidents that occur at construction sites include:
- Falling from elevated heights
- Injuries caused by defective equipment
- Being hit by falling objects and equipment
- Crane accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Electrocution
- Gas exposure
- Trench and excavation collapse
If you have suffered an injury in an accident while working on a pipeline or construction site, seek immediate medical attention and advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be entitled to compensation under a negligence theory, products liability theory, or under your state's workers' compensation program.
Employer negligence
If your injury was the result of negligence on the part of your employer, you may be able to bring a claim for compensation on that basis. Poor lighting, poor training, and poor safety precautions are examples of conditions that could create an unsafe work environment.
In Louisiana, negligence claims must be filed within one year of the incident causing injury. In Texas, negligence claims must be filed within two years of the incident. This time window is known as the "statute of limitations."
Defective products
If your injury was the caused by faulty or defective equipment, you may be able to obtain compensation by bringing a products liability claim against the equipment designer, manufacturer, vendor, or all three.
In Louisiana, products liability claims must be filed within one year of the incident causing injury. In Texas, claims must be filed within two years of the incident.
Workers' compensation
Injuries incurred at work generally entitle the injured person to workers' compensation benefits. Depending on your state, you may be obligated to report your injury to your employer and file certain forms within a restricted period of time in order to begin receiving your benefits. If your claim is disputed, an attorney can advocate for your rights throughout the administrative proceedings, judicial proceedings, and appeals, if needed.
If you receive worker's compensation benefits, you will not be able to sue your employer for negligence. However, you can still sue a third party that is responsible for the injury you sustained while working. An experienced personal injury attorney can your case and determine all possible avenues of compensation that are available.
Seek experienced legal counsel
If you have been injured in a pipeline, construction, or other industrial accident, seek advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. At the Shelton Law Firm, we can protect your rights and help you obtain the full compensation to which you are entitled. Whether you are in Texas, Louisiana, or anywhere in the United States, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
