New Orleans Construction Accident Lawyer

Fighting Tirelessly for Your Fair Recovery

Construction workers face serious risks every day. Due to the hazardous nature of construction work, the industry remains one of the most dangerous jobs for workers, according to annual data from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). However, even in high-risk jobs, workers should not have to fear for their safety or lives. 

In Louisiana, employers have a legal duty to their employees. They must maintain safe job sites, provide necessary tools, and ensure regular maintenance so workers do not face unnecessary risks. When employers neglect these responsibilities, construction workers may suffer serious or fatal accidents. In many cases, employers are responsible for these incidents. 

If you or someone you love was involved in a construction accident in New Orleans, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Clayton, Frugé & Ward can help. Our worker injury attorneys have years of experience and a proven track record, including securing some of the largest results in Louisiana history. We understand what you face after a serious incident and are ready to fight for your recovery in New Orleans.

Beyond legal representation, our team keeps clients informed through every phase of their construction accident case. We answer your questions, explain legal terms in plain language, and provide regular updates about your claim. Workers across the New Orleans area count on us for strong results and our commitment to guiding them through Louisiana’s legal system step by step.

Call (225) 209-9943 or contact us online for a free consultation with one of our New Orleans construction accident attorneys.

Types of Construction Accidents & Their Causes

Construction sites buzz with activity, but they present significant risks for workers and bystanders. Accidents happen frequently, and they result from many hazards. Many projects in New Orleans involve work in historic districts, renovations near the French Quarter, or expansion along the riverfront. These locations add unique challenges, such as dealing with older infrastructure, navigating confined workspaces, or meeting strict city regulations that aim to preserve local character while ensuring safety. As a result, construction workers here face the everyday dangers of the job and complex challenges unique to the city’s sites.

Some of the most common types of construction accidents include: 

•  Falls—from heights or slip, trip, and fall incidents
• Being struck or crushed by falling or moving objects 
• Getting caught between machinery or moving parts
• Machine entanglement 
• Crane accidents, forklift accidents, and other vehicle accidents
• Scaffolding accidents, including collapses and falls
• Welding accidents 

These and other construction accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), amputation and crushed limbs, multiple bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, electrocution, and other life-altering conditions. Negligence causes most of these incidents, either in whole or in part. 

Common causes of construction accidents in New Orleans include: 

• Improper or Inadequate Training: Some workers do not receive proper instruction to operate equipment or follow safety protocols.
• Lack of Proper Safety Gear: Employers sometimes fail to provide or enforce the use of hard hats, harnesses, goggles, or other personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Unsafe Scaffolding or Ladders: Poorly built or maintained scaffolding and ladders pose fall hazards or risk collapsing.
• Falling Objects: Unsecured tools, equipment, or materials can cause injury if they fall from above onto workers below.
• Negligent Supervision or Worker Oversight: Site managers may miss hazards or neglect enforcing safety rules, causing avoidable accidents. 
• Improper Machine Use or Maintenance: Some machines are operated without safety checks or allowed to remain in unsafe condition.
• Electrical Hazards: Exposed wiring, poor grounding, or lack of lockout/tagout procedures lead to shocks, electrocution, explosions, or fires. 
• Slip and Fall Hazards: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or unsecured cords increase the risk of falls if left unaddressed.
• Inadequate Fall Protection: Workers without guardrails, nets, or harnesses when working at height face risks from preventable falls. 
• OSHA Violations: When employers ignore OSHA safety requirements, they put everyone on a construction site at risk. 

Many construction sites in New Orleans also encounter extreme heat, heavy rains, or hurricane season threats, which can worsen hazards and disrupt safety planning. Site managers must adapt quickly to changing conditions along the Gulf Coast in order to keep workers safe. Local construction projects must follow Louisiana state rules and building codes enforced by the City of New Orleans. 

Understanding OSHA Regulations & Louisiana State Safety Standards

Construction workers in New Orleans must navigate a regulatory landscape that combines federal and state laws. OSHA sets the baseline for safety on all job sites, but Louisiana law and city-specific ordinances create additional requirements. Employers working near busy corridors like Canal Street or by landmarks such as the Superdome must comply with New Orleans’ Department of Safety and Permits, which may inspect projects for both safety and code compliance. These overlapping standards work together to prioritize worker safety and reduce preventable injuries.

OSHA regulations require clear signage, personal protective equipment, and regular site inspections. In New Orleans, local oversight may trigger more frequent checks after storms, given the city’s vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding. Louisiana’s occupational safety requirements also provide workers with rights to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. By understanding the interaction between federal OSHA laws, Louisiana workplace rules, and New Orleans municipal codes, workers gain more leverage if an accident occurs. Our firm stays current on these evolving regulations to help workers protect their interests and assert their rights after a construction accident.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in New Orleans

If you suffer an injury at a construction site in New Orleans, taking certain actions can make a difference in your recovery. Begin by reporting the incident to your immediate supervisor or employer, and request that they document the details as soon as possible. Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor, and keep records of every visit, diagnosis, and recommendation related to your accident. Louisiana employers must provide access to acute medical care, and these protocols help injured workers secure both urgent treatment and a foundation for future claims.

If you can gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Use your phone to document hazardous conditions, faulty equipment, or missing safety measures. If witnesses saw what happened, write down their names and contact information for future reference. Maintain a journal of your symptoms and missed workdays, as these records support your claim for damages. In New Orleans, construction sites are often subject to city inspections, which can also yield valuable reports or citations that may impact your case. Taking these careful steps gives you a stronger position when seeking compensation or benefits, whether through workers’ compensation or pursuit of a third-party work injury claim.

Common Tactics Used by Employers & Insurers to Limit Recovery

Many construction workers in New Orleans confront obstacles when seeking compensation after an accident. Employers and their insurance carriers often act quickly to investigate or even contest injury claims. They may attempt to downplay the seriousness of reported injuries, argue that an accident resulted from the worker’s own negligence, or suggest the claim falls outside required coverage. Sometimes, they offer quick settlements far below the cost of long-term care and lost income. 

Insurance companies may also ask you to give recorded statements or sign documents soon after your accident. Before agreeing to any request, carefully read every form, and seek advice if you feel unsure or pressured by the insurer’s communications. In Louisiana, workers retain the right to contest denied claims or underpaid benefits, and many cases hinge on the claimant’s documentation and understanding of local procedures. Knowing your rights and the methods insurers use to protect their interests helps level the playing field so you can pursue the full measure of compensation provided by law.

Filing a Construction Accident Claim in New Orleans

Louisiana law sets strict rules for construction accident claims. Employers must follow state requirements, such as providing essential safety equipment and meeting OSHA standards. Despite these regulations, accidents still happen, often because of employer or third-party negligence.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we help you determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation, explore whether you have a third-party work injury claim, or whether you’re entitled to compensation from several sources. Our construction accident attorneys in New Orleans guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. We always pursue maximum compensation for our clients, even if it requires taking a case to court. 

What Damages Can You Recover After a Construction Accident? 

The damages available after a construction accident depend on certain factors like the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, and how the incident occurred. For injured workers filing for workers’ compensation, possible benefits include medical care and wage replacement. If you file a third-party personal injury claim, you may claim compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In the tragic event of a loved one’s death from a construction accident, you may seek wrongful death benefits covering medical costs, funeral expenses, and the financial and personal support your loved one provided.

Many people do not realize that in addition to direct financial losses, some injuries have lifelong impacts, such as chronic pain, reduced earning ability, or psychological trauma. Construction workers in New Orleans may also face additional hardships if their injuries prevent them from working. Addressing both short-term and long-term consequences is necessary to help accident victims rebuild their lives.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our team can review your case and help you understand what damages you may recover after a construction accident in New Orleans. Contact us as soon as possible, as you generally have just one to two years to file your lawsuit.

Why Choose Clayton, Frugé & Ward for Your Construction Accident Case?

Choosing a construction accident attorney in New Orleans with a proven record can make all the difference in your case. Clayton, Frugé & Ward's history of ground-breaking verdicts, including a landmark $117 million result, shows our ability to take on challenging cases. We frequently accept client matters that other law firms cannot or will not handle.  

Clients throughout Louisiana trust us because we:

• Provide Dedicated Legal Representation: We treat every client and case with care, investigating every detail in pursuit of justice and the maximum recovery. Our team works to hold negligent parties responsible.
• Employ a Diverse Team of Attorneys: Our team reflects Louisiana’s rich diversity. We believe our attorneys’ varied backgrounds help us empathize with clients and approach cases from all angles. 
• Have Recovered More Than $1 Billion for the Injured: We have obtained significant settlements and verdicts for people across Louisiana. 
• Genuinely Care About Our Clients: We believe in treating clients as people. You’re never just a number at our firm; you’re a person with real concerns. We are here to help you pursue the recovery you deserve.

Because we have handled some of Louisiana's most complex and impactful cases, we understand the local legal landscape better than most firms. Our experience with high-profile verdicts and settlements helps us navigate the courts in Orleans Parish and nearby parishes with confidence. We draw on deep community ties and relationships with local professionals when building our cases, making us uniquely positioned to stand up for the injured in New Orleans’s construction industry.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we value honest and open communication with those we represent. We build trust through transparency, offering a realistic picture of the process, possible outcomes, and how we can advocate for your recovery. When you hire our New Orleans construction accident lawyers, your initial consultation is free, and you never pay any fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you. 

New Orleans Construction Accident FAQ

What Compensation Can I Get After a Construction Accident?

If you suffered a construction accident in New Orleans, you may qualify for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you file a workers’ compensation claim, available benefits might include wage replacement or vocational rehabilitation, depending on your situation. 

The types and amount of compensation depend on the severity of your injuries and the facts in your case. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we assess every detail of your circumstances to pursue the full and fair amount you deserve. 

Who Is Liable in a Construction Accident?

Establishing liability in a construction accident can be complicated because multiple parties may be responsible. Contractors, equipment manufacturers, employers, or other workers could all contribute to an accident. To determine fault, we conduct thorough investigations, work with industry professionals, and use our deep understanding of local and federal regulations. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in New Orleans?

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date if it occurred on or after July 1, 2024, or one year if it occurred before this date. To preserve your right to recover damages, act quickly. Our attorneys help you meet all legal deadlines.

What If My Employer Denies Liability?

If your employer denies liability for your construction accident, you still have options. We can help you determine whether your employer is responsible, or if other parties also played a role. Sometimes, you may not need to prove fault—if you qualify for workers’ compensation, you can still receive benefits, regardless of who was to blame. We regularly take on challenging cases and gather evidence to help support your claim. 

Do I Need an Attorney for a Construction Accident Claim?

While you can file a claim on your own, working with an experienced construction accident attorney in New Orleans increases your chances for a successful outcome. With Clayton, Frugé & Ward, you gain a legal team that has handled complex claims, providing both legal and emotional support every step of the way. 

The legal process can be overwhelming after a serious injury. Our attorneys help you handle these challenges so you can focus on recovering. We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to seek the compensation you deserve, and if necessary, we will take your case to court. 

Move Forward With Confidence: Contact Our Attorneys in New Orleans Today

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we understand the life-changing impact of construction accidents, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need. Our success in tough cases highlights our commitment to our clients and the New Orleans community. You do not need to face this difficult time alone. 

If you live in the New Orleans area or work on job sites throughout southeast Louisiana, you may face legal rules, insurance requirements, and safety codes that differ from those in other regions. Choosing a team that knows the city’s construction industry and legal system makes a difference when you pursue a claim for a construction injury.

Schedule your free consultation with us today by calling (225) 209-9943 and let us help you seek the compensation you deserve.