Jackson Construction Accident Lawyer
Roughly a fifth of Mississippians live in the Jackson metro area. All these people need places to live, work, shop, learn, and play. So, the area’s construction industry is quite busy. Many companies move from one project to the next, and they do not tolerate delays. Unfortunately for workers, many companies view safety seminars and safety equipment as unnecessary investments of time. As a result, workers are at risk for falls and other serious injuries.
The dedicated Jackson construction accident lawyer at Keith B. French Law works hard to obtain maximum compensation for these injuries, so these victims can return to work as soon as possible. I assist victims as they navigate through the complex workers’ compensation minefield. Additionally, many victims have other legal options. I lay out all these alternatives, so you can make the best possible decisions for you and your family.
Types of Injuries
Construction is usually at or near the top of the “most dangerous occupations” lists which arise from time to time. As mentioned, time and money are often more valuable than worker safety in these situations. Additionally, other than a hardhat and perhaps some gloves or safety goggles, these workers have almost no protection from trauma injuries such as:
- Falls: We mentioned falls above. These injuries are by far the most common fatal construction injuries in Mississippi. Slip-and-falls are especially serious for victims with any pre-existing conditions. Additionally, falls from as little as four stories above ground are typically fatal.
- Caught Between: Most of these incidents involve large construction vehicles. Many of the people who operate these machines have little experience behind the wheel of them. As a result, they often strike workers who dart about the construction site.
- Struck By: There is an old story that a penny dropped from the top of the Empire State Building is fatal to a pedestrian on the sidewalk. This story is partially true, a fact which underscores the nature of these injuries.
- Electrocution: The force of an arc blast often throws victims through the air. So, electrocution could mean a serious fall. Electrocution could also mean a serious temperature burn. A burst of electricity is almost as hot as the sun.
Our Jackson construction accident lawyers also deal with chemical burn trauma injuries. Many of the solvents and other chemicals which construction workers use are extremely caustic and toxic.
Occupational diseases are also an issue for construction workers. Hearing loss is the leading occupational disease in the United States. Exposure to noises as low as 35 decibels, which is basically the noise level in a school cafeteria, could cause permanent hearing loss.
Your Legal Options
Workers’ compensation covers most construction-related trauma injuries and occupational diseases. This no-fault insurance usually replaces lost wages and pays medical expenses. Most victims receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage for the duration of their temporary disabilities. Moreover, workers’ compensation usually pays all reasonably necessary medical expenses, from the ambulance ride to the hospital to the last day of physical therapy.
Some employers do not carry workers’ compensation insurance. Other employers lie on applications and other insurance forms. When the insurance company discovers the fraud, it usually denies payment. If it’s necessary to file a negligence claim, which it usually is, Mississippi law prohibits these employers from taking advantage of some “silver bullet” defenses.
Detective products sometimes cause workplace injuries. These manufacturers cannot hide behind workers’ compensation laws and avoid their legal responsibilities. Typically, these product makers are strictly liable for injuries in these situations.
Contact an Experienced Hinds County Lawyer
Injury victims are usually entitled to substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced construction accident lawyer in Jackson, contact Keith B. French Law, PLLC. I do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.
