Industrial Accident Attorneys in Houma

What Is Considered an “Industrial Accident?”

An industrial accident is any harmful or potentially harmful event that occurs in an industrial setting, or places where raw materials are transformed into various goods and products. This includes workplaces like manufacturing plants, warehouses, construction sites, and anywhere where heavy machinery, potentially toxic substances, dangerous materials, and/or advanced technological systems are required. These incidents are common in industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, and transportation, all of which play major roles in our region’s economy.

Industrial accidents can take many forms, including:

• Explosions and Fires: Such incidents are often caused by equipment malfunctions, gas leaks, or unsafe storage of flammable materials.
• Equipment and Machinery Accidents: Crushed limbs, amputations, or fatal injuries can occur when machinery isn’t properly maintained or guarded.
• Chemical Exposure: Contact with toxic substances can cause burns, respiratory damage, or long-term illness.
• Falls From Heights: Industrial workers frequently work on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms, where a fall can cause serious or fatal injuries.
• Electrocutions: Common in construction and plant maintenance, electrocutions are often caused by faulty wiring or inadequate safety training.
• Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Collisions: Forklifts, cranes, and industrial vehicles can cause devastating injuries when operated unsafely.
• Structural Failures: Collapsing walkways, tanks, or support structures can trap or crush workers.

Industrial sites often involve complex operations with many contractors and layers of responsibility. When something goes wrong, it can be difficult for workers to know who’s accountable or where to turn for help. That’s where an experienced industrial accident lawyer can make a real difference.

How Industrial Accidents Happen

Most industrial accidents aren’t “random” occurrences. They’re the result of preventable safety failures. 

Some common causes of industrial accidents include: 

• Inadequate training or supervision
• Lack of proper safety equipment
• Failure to follow OSHA regulations
• Poor maintenance of machinery and tools
• Unsafe work procedures or production pressure
• Negligence by third-party contractors or equipment manufacturers

Workers have the right to a safe workplace. When that right is violated, employers and others responsible for unsafe conditions can and should be held accountable.

Legal Options for Injured Industrial Workers

After an industrial accident, injured workers often face steep medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about how to support their families. 

Depending on the situation, several legal options may be available:

• Workers’ Compensation: In Louisiana, workers’ compensation covers medical costs and a portion of lost wages for on-the-job injuries. However, it often doesn’t cover the full extent of losses.
• Third-Party Claims: If someone other than your employer—such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—contributed to your injury, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for additional compensation.
• Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one was killed in an industrial accident, families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional suffering.

An experienced industrial accident attorney in Houma can review your situation and determine which types of claims you may have. We encourage you to contact our firm as soon as possible to set up a completely free initial consultation with a member of our team.