Baton Rouge

Work Accident Attorney

Work Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge with Over $1 Billion Won 

Workplace accidents can burden entire families with a lifetime of physical pain or disability, financial insecurity, and unresolved trauma. Because employers are responsible for mitigating all workplace risks, it’s ultimately their responsibility to provide injured workers with what they need to recover. When they fail to do that, people call Clayton, Frugé & Ward.

Injured at work? Learn your legal options in a free consultation; call (225) 209-9943 or contact us online.

Common Types of Work Injuries in Baton Rouge

Workplace accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, forever altering workers’ lives and the lives of their families. 

Our work injury lawyers in Baton Rouge have recovered compensation for people dealing with serious, life-changing injuries, such as:

• Back injuries
• Brain injuries 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Spinal cord injuries
• Loss of vision
• Hearing damage 
• Burns 
• Harmful exposure 
• Amputation 

Our team helps injured individuals and their families fight for what they need to rebuild their lives. We have won more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, including some of the biggest results in Louisiana and nationwide. We’re familiar with the profound challenges our clients face, and we do everything within our power as advocates to get them compensation for medical care, long-term treatment, replacement wages, and other losses caused by the accident.

In addition to financial compensation, receiving proper medical attention after a work injury is critical. Our lawyers help ensure that clients receive necessary medical care and documentation, which is essential for the claims process. We can also navigate complex legal issues to establish liability and pursue all avenues of compensation, including potential third-party claims.

Common Workplace Accidents in Baton Rouge

Employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace. It’s their obligation to mitigate hazards, warn workers about unresolved hazards, and train employees in safety protocols. Virtually every work accident in history has been the result of businesses failing to follow through on their legal obligation to workers. 

Given that Louisiana workers deal with some of the worst industrial hazards in the world—plant explosions, dock and port accidents, maritime injuries—our Baton Rouge work injury attorneys have a wealth of experience with all types of on-the-job accidents.

We have handled work accident claims involving incidents like:

• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Incidents where workers were exposed to hazardous chemicals, products, materials, or environments
• Falls, Slips, and Trips: Often the result of unsafe working surfaces, inadequate maintenance, or poorly managed work areas
• Transportation Accidents: Often due to a lack of proper training or vehicle maintenance; includes trucks, forklifts, front-end loaders, and other work vehicles
• Violence and Injuries Caused by Other Workers: Violence committed between workers is ultimately the employer’s responsibility to mitigate in many cases

Our comprehensive approach ensures that all potential causes of an accident are explored, providing clients with the best chance to receive compensation. Beyond immediate injuries, our team examines long-term impacts like emotional distress and career implications, ensuring a holistic understanding and strategy for each case.

No matter how you were hurt, our team is here to help. If you suffered a serious workplace injury or were diagnosed with an occupational illness, trust our work injury lawyers in Baton Rouge to fight for you and the fair compensation you deserve. 

Benefits of Hiring a Local Baton Rouge Work Injury Lawyer

Hiring a local attorney offers significant advantages, particularly when it comes to understanding the unique facets of Baton Rouge’s workplace environment. Local lawyers are not only familiar with state-specific laws but also with the local courts, judges, and opposing counsels, which can make a meaningful difference in the courtroom. Furthermore, a Baton Rouge work injury lawyer has insight into common industry hazards and local economic conditions that affect compensation claims. They can provide recommendations for local medical providers who are experienced in handling workplace injuries and work directly with community resources to support their clients' recoveries.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we leverage our position as local attorneys with deep roots in the Baton Rouge community to tailor our strategies effectively for our clients, maximizing the chances for a favorable outcome. Our commitment to the community is evident in our comprehensive approach that prioritizes not just legal victories but also the restoration of our clients' quality of life. By choosing a team with a long history of serving Baton Rouge, you benefit from a firm that genuinely understands and cares about the complexities of work injuries in our city.

How Can a Baton Rouge Work Accident Lawyer Help?

Engaging the services of an experienced work accident lawyer in Baton Rouge can be instrumental for victims navigating the aftermath of an injury. From the outset, a lawyer can manage the immediate legal actions required to safeguard your rights, such as ensuring that your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations. An attorney can also perform a detailed investigation to establish liability, gathering crucial evidence that supports your claim. What's more, your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and other entities on your behalf, aiming to secure settlements that truly reflect the scope of your injuries and losses.

Your lawyer’s ability to handle the complex legal aspects of your case frees you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery without the added stress of navigating the legal process. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we aim to offer this peace of mind by providing holistic support, not only providing dedicated legal representation but also coordinating with local medical experts and support services to assist our clients with rehabilitation. Our team is dedicated to seeing each client through to the best possible outcome, ensuring they are not left to navigate the consequences of a work accident alone.

Should You File a Workers’ Compensation Claim? 

Most Louisiana workers are covered by workers’ compensation, with notable exceptions for maritime workers, longshoremen, and railroad workers. Otherwise, nearly all workers are covered under workers’ comp, even if you’re part-time, seasonal, or contracting. 

Workers’ compensation gives injured claimants a faster and more straightforward path to recovery, but it provides much less in compensation than any serious injury costs. Workers who’ve experienced minor injuries might be able to get by with a few weeks of two-thirds of their pay, but a lot of clients come to us because that isn’t enough.

If you’re not sure if workers’ compensation is the right option for your situation, call our Baton Rouge work accident attorneys. We offer free consultations to help plaintiffs determine the best path to recovery. Let’s discuss your legal options and chart a way forward.

Filing a Third-Party Work Injury Claim in Baton Rouge

If you are covered by workers’ compensation, you may be ineligible to sue your employer after a work-related injury or occupational illness. This is because workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who was “at fault” for the incident that caused your injury or illness. In exchange, your employer is shielded from legal responsibility. 

However, there are certain instances in which you may bring a third-party work injury claim against an employer or another party: 

• If you are not covered by workers’ compensation 
• If another party was separately liable for the injury-causing event 

For example, if you are a maritime worker or longshoreman, you are most likely not covered by workers’ comp and would have the right to sue your employer for a work-related accident or illness. Additionally, if your work injury was the result of third-party negligence, you could have a separate claim. This might be the case if you were harmed by a defective product; you might have a claim against the manufacturer or another liable party. 

Engaging in a third-party lawsuit can be complex, often requiring extensive evidence collection and legal interpretation. Our team provides guidance on what these proceedings entail and strategizes to help maximize your compensation, all while alleviating legal burdens so that you can focus on healing.

How Long Do You Have to Sue for Work-Related Injuries in Baton Rouge, Louisiana? 

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is one year from the date of injury. This means that you have one year to file a workers’ compensation claim. The clock typically begins ticking on the date of injury, but if you did not discover your injury right away, you could have one year from the date of discovery to file your workers’ comp claim. 

If you are suing your employer or another liable party in a separate personal injury claim, you have two years from the date of injury or date of discovery to file your lawsuit IF your claim occurred on or after July 1, 2024. For claims occurring before July 1, 2024, you have one year to file a lawsuit. 

Understanding the timeline is crucial, as failing to file within the stipulated period can jeopardize your chances of recovering the just compensation you need to move forward in the healing process. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we assist clients in navigating these deadlines to help them avoid any litigation pitfalls.

Our Baton Rouge Work Accident Attorneys Can Help. Call (225) 209-9943 Today!

Few firms in Louisiana have gone toe-to-toe with big employers and corporations like Clayton, Frugé & Ward. Our team has won record-breaking verdicts and settlements for the most serious work accidents in state history, including multiple life-changing plant explosions. When plaintiffs are up against enormous odds and an impossibly well-resourced defendant, they call us because we’ve been there before—and, more importantly, we’ve won.

Call (225) 209-9943 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

FAQs About Work Accidents & Injuries in Baton Rouge

What Should I Do Immediately After a Work Accident?

After experiencing a work accident, your first step should be to seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Prompt medical evaluation ensures your health is prioritized and provides necessary documentation for your claim. It's also important to report the incident to your employer as soon as possible, providing accurate and thorough details of what happened. It's also a good idea to document the scene through photos or witness statements, as this provides further evidence for your potential future claim. 

One of the best things you can do after a workplace accident is to contact a work accident lawyer in Baton Rouge to guide you through the process of claiming compensation. Acting swiftly can prevent administrative pitfalls that might compromise your claim.

How Are Work Injury Claims in Baton Rouge Different?

Baton Rouge has its own set of challenges and characteristics that affect work injury claims, primarily due to its diverse industrial landscape, including petrochemical factories and shipping ports. These environments can lead to unique types of accidents and injuries that require specialized knowledge to handle effectively. Additionally, Louisiana’s legal framework, with specific deadlines and procedures, requires a nuanced understanding of local laws. Having a Baton Rouge work injury lawyer familiar with these dynamics can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

What Types of Compensation Can I Expect from a Work Injury Claim?

Compensation from a work injury claim can encompass various types of damages. Generally, you can expect economic damages covering medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages might include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, particularly if the injury results in long-term disability. In some cases, if negligence is proven, punitive damages may be considered to penalize the liable party and deter future incidents. 

Note, however, that if you file a workers' compensation claim, you waive your right to sue your employer for negligence. A workers' compensation claim can provide benefits without the need for proving liability, but the amount and types of benefits you can recover are limited. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help you evaluate your specific case and obtain realistic expectations based on the extent of your injuries and circumstances surrounding the accident.

Can I File a Claim If I’m Partially at Fault for My Work Accident?

In Louisiana, workers’ compensation operates under a no-fault system, meaning you may still be eligible for compensation even if you are partially at fault for your accident. This system aims to provide benefits without lengthy litigation processes associated with determining fault. However, if additional personal injury claims are involved, Louisiana’s comparative negligence laws may impact the extent of recoverable damages. These laws reduce compensation based on your share of the fault. An experienced work accident lawyer from our firm can explain how these laws may apply to your situation and guide you in pursuing the most favorable outcome possible for your situation. 

Why Choose Clayton, Frugé & Ward for Your Work Injury Case?

With a proven track record of more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, Clayton, Frugé & Ward stands out for our commitment to client success. Our dedicated team goes beyond typical legal representation, offering empathetic support and strategic guidance throughout the recovery process. We focus on taking on challenging cases that others might avoid, reflecting our dedication to achieving justice for those facing significant hurdles to recovery.