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Hard Rock Hotel Collapse Underscores Construction Dangers

On Saturday, part of New Orleans’ Hard Rock Hotel collapsed with 112 people inside. The building has been under construction since 2018 and was 18 stories tall. Now, the top floors have come crashing down. First responders reported 2 known fatalities and 20 injuries; at least one construction worker known to be onsite at the time of the collapse has still not been found. He has been presumed dead by authorities, who are continuing to search for his body.Complicating the issue, inspectors have since determined that the lower floors of the building and 2 yellow cranes onsite might also give way. The possibility of incoming tropical storms has also raised concerns about the unstable structure. Police have established a wide perimeter to avert further injury. Though the event was caught on video, the cause of the accident has not yet been determined.

Construction Still the Most Dangerous Field

In 2017, over 20% of workplace deaths happened on construction sites, accounting for nearly 1,000 individuals. Thousands more were injured in workplace accidents, and a study done by the Center for Construction Research and Training found that 3 out of 4 construction workers who stay on the job for 45 years (the length of their career) will suffer an injury that results in disability. Many of these deaths or injuries are totally preventable, brought on by risky worker behavior or employers failing to provide safe work environments. Yet, the construction industry continues to pay more in workers’ compensation than any other industry in lieu of overhauling safety practices.

Causes and Consequences of Construction Site Accidents

Any workplace injury can be scary, but with the heavy machinery and great heights involved in construction work, accidents can result in serious damage and lasting disability. OSHA has reported that a majority of construction deaths are caused by four incident types:

  • Falling from height
  • Being struck by a falling object
  • Electrocution
  • Getting caught in or between heavy machinery

Those lucky enough to survive construction site accidents may suffer:

  • Head injury including concussion
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Eye injury
  • Broken bones
  • Loss of hearing
  • Burns or electrical shock
  • Nerve damage
  • Internal damage
  • Overuse injury

Disabling injuries like these can cost workers their jobs and diminish their overall life enjoyment. If you or someone you love has been hurt on the job, the good news is, you don’t have to go it alone.

What to Do if You’re Hurt at Work

After a workplace accident that results in serious injury, an industrial accidents attorney can help evaluate your case and guide you through applying for workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp insurance covers on-the-job injury regardless of fault—but you may have to fight for the settlement you deserve.

All jobs come with danger, some more than others. Having a knowledgeable and dependable advocate on your side can make the process of getting compensation for medical bills, lost work, and more much easier.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a construction accident,

contact us online

or call (504) 475-2429 for a free consultation.