Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work or pass by in Louisiana. Falls from heights, heavy equipment, falling materials, and unsafe work zones can cause life-changing injuries in an instant. If you were hurt on or near a construction site because someone else failed to keep conditions safe, you may have options beyond workers’ compensation, including a claim against the contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers responsible.
At Chaz Roberts Law, we help injured workers, drivers, pedestrians, and families across Lafayette and Acadiana understand their rights after a construction accident. Call (337) 504-3202 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can happen in many ways, including:
- Falls from heights: Falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and unprotected edges.
- Falling objects: Tools, materials, or debris dropped from above.
- Equipment and vehicle accidents: Workers or pedestrians struck, crushed, or otherwise injured by cranes, forklifts, excavators, or construction vehicles.
- Caught-in incidents and collapses: Injuries caused by being trapped between objects, collapsing scaffolding or materials, or trench cave-ins.
- Electrocutions: Contact with power lines, exposed wiring, or faulty tools.
- Defective tools and equipment: Machinery that malfunctions because of design or manufacturing defects.
Serious Injuries Linked to Construction Site Accidents
Construction accidents often cause severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, amputations, burns, crush injuries, and internal injuries. Many of these injuries require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and time away from work. Some leave people unable to return to their jobs at all. Some construction accidents are fatal.
Who May Be Liable After a Construction Accident
Liability in a construction accident depends on who controlled the work, who created the dangerous condition, and the relationship between the injured person and the parties involved.
If you were hurt while working, Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system generally provides benefits for medical care and lost wages, and it usually limits your ability to sue your own employer.
You may also have a claim against a negligent third party that is not protected by workers’ compensation immunity. Louisiana’s statutory employer rules can protect certain contractors from personal injury lawsuits, so the relationships among the parties need careful review.
Property Owners, Developers, and General Contractors
Property owners, developers, general contractors, and subcontractors may be liable when their own negligence contributes to an injury. Responsibility depends on each party’s role, control over the work or property, and applicable legal or contractual duties.
Equipment and Machinery Manufacturers
When defective equipment, such as a crane, lift, power tool, or scaffold, causes an injury, the manufacturer may be responsible. In Louisiana, product-related claims against manufacturers are governed by specific rules, so it’s important to preserve the equipment and any related records as early as possible.
Unsure who may be responsible for your injuries? Call Chaz Roberts Law at (337) 504-3202 for a free consultation about your legal options.
Construction Zone Accidents Involving Drivers and Pedestrians
You don’t have to work in construction to be injured by it. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can be hurt in road construction zones because of confusing lane shifts, missing signs, uneven pavement, debris, or unsafe equipment operation. Pedestrians may also be injured by falling materials or blocked sidewalks near building projects.
Depending on the circumstances, contractors, other drivers, or government agencies may share responsibility. Claims involving government entities can come with special rules and limits, so getting guidance early is important.
Evidence That Can Help Establish Fault After a Job Site Injury
Strong evidence can make a significant difference in a construction accident claim. Helpful evidence may include:
- Photos and video: Pictures of the scene, equipment, and your injuries, plus any surveillance or phone footage.
- Incident reports: Reports filed with your employer, the contractor, or police.
- Witness statements: Accounts from coworkers, other contractors, or bystanders.
- Safety records: Site safety plans, inspection logs, and training records.
- Equipment records: Maintenance and repair logs for machinery involved in the accident.
- OSHA records: Any inspection findings or citations related to the incident.
- Medical records: Documentation of your injuries, treatment, and prognosis.
How Comparative Fault Can Affect a Construction Injury Claim
Louisiana uses comparative fault to divide responsibility when more than one party contributed to an accident. For accidents occurring on or after January 1, 2026, Louisiana follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages. If you’re less than 51% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Claims that arose before that date generally follow Louisiana’s prior pure comparative fault rule.
Before accepting a settlement, speak with Chaz Roberts Law about the losses your claim may address. Call (337) 504-3202 for a free consultation.
Damages Available in a Lafayette Construction Injury Case
Depending on the facts, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost wages: Income lost while you recover and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: The impact on your daily activities and relationships.
- Disability and disfigurement: Losses related to permanent injuries or scarring.
- Wrongful death damages: Losses suffered by surviving family members after a fatal accident.
Third-party claims can allow recovery for damages, such as pain and suffering, that workers’ compensation doesn’t cover.
Why Injured Clients Turn to Chaz Roberts Law
At Chaz Roberts Law, we know that when people reach out to us, they’re often dealing with one of the most stressful times of their lives. We care about our clients, we listen, and we walk them through the legal process with patience and clarity. Every claim, no matter how large or small, receives the same diligence and attention to detail.
We give you a fair assessment of your case, whether the news is good or bad, and keeping you informed along the way. Our clients often tell us they appreciate how our team, including attorney Chaz Roberts and attorney Kevin Hernandez, handles the details with insurers and providers so they can focus on recovery.
Speak With a Lafayette Construction Accident Lawyer About Your Case
Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into settling for less than you need. If you were injured in a construction accident in Lafayette or anywhere in Acadiana, our team will review your situation and help you understand your options before you make any decisions. Contact Chaz Roberts Law at (337) 504-3202 for a free consultation.
Lafayette Construction Accident FAQs
Can I file a claim if I was hurt near a construction site but was not working there?
You may have a personal injury claim if a contractor, property owner, or another party caused your injuries through negligence. If you were not injured in the course of your employment, workers’ compensation generally would not apply. If you were working when the accident happened, workers’ compensation and third-party claim rules may both affect your case.
What happens if I was injured in a road construction zone?
You may have a claim against a negligent driver, a construction contractor, or, in some cases, a government agency responsible for the work zone. Claims involving government entities can involve special procedures and limits, so speak with an attorney promptly.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in Louisiana?
For injuries that happened on or after July 1, 2024, most personal injury claims in Louisiana must be filed within two years. Injuries before that date were generally subject to a one year deadline. Workers’ compensation claims have their own separate deadlines.
What evidence should I gather after a construction site injury?
If you can do so safely, photograph the scene, collect witness contact information, and report the injury. Keep medical records and accident-related messages, and speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to another party’s insurer.
Can an OSHA violation affect a construction accident claim?
An OSHA violation does not automatically establish civil liability, but relevant inspection findings or citations may help identify safety failures and explain how an accident happened.
Can a family file a wrongful death claim after a fatal construction accident?
Certain surviving family members may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against a responsible third party. When the death results from a work-related accident, workers’ compensation immunity may limit claims against the employer or a statutory employer. Under current Louisiana law, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within one year of death or two years of the underlying injury, whichever is longer. An attorney should confirm the deadline that applies.
