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Trey justin hero edit despite safety regulations and protocols, warehouse accidents can and do happen. In the unfortunate event of a warehouse accident, it is essential that you understand your legal rights, seek proper legal representation, and receive fair compensation.

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WAREHOUSE ACCIDENT LAWYER

Exceptional Representation & Fierce Advocacy for Industrial Accident Victims & Claims

Warehouses are integral to the operations of various industries, from manufacturing to retail. However, due to the nature of the work environment and the presence of heavy machinery, these settings can pose significant risks to workers’ safety and health.

Despite safety regulations and protocols, warehouse accidents can and do happen. In the unfortunate event of a warehouse accident, it is essential that you understand your legal rights, seek proper legal representation, and receive fair compensation.

The warehouse accident lawyers at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers in Louisiana and Texas are committed to helping workers who have suffered injuries in warehouse accidents. Specifically, we offer legal guidance, advocate on your behalf to insurance companies, and help you seek the maximum possible compensation for the injuries you suffered while on the job.

Contact us today at (318) 221-1508 to speak to one of our warehouse accident attorneys and find out how we can help with your case.

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Examples of Warehouse Accidents in Louisiana

Warehouses record some of the highest workplace injury rates in Louisiana and nationwide. Some notable warehouse accidents in the state of Louisiana include the following:
  • On February 21, 2017,

    an industrial warehouse worker was killed in a forklift accident in Baton Rouge when a load fell on him, leaving him dead at the scene.
  • On June 26, 2020,

    an employee was killed after falling from a raised forklift while pulling supplies from a storage bin. The employee sustained severe head injuries leading to their death.

How a Lawyer Can Help After a Warehouse Accident

Warehouse accident lawyers know the specific laws and regulations applicable to warehouses and can effectively advocate for your rights if you have sustained injuries following a warehouse accident. Our lawyers are determined to maximize your compensation and protect your interests while helping your case in a variety of ways:
Case Evaluation
Our legal team will initially evaluate your case to determine the viability of a legal claim. We will review the facts, nature of your injuries, and circumstances surrounding the incident to provide you with an informed assessment of your situation. That way, you’ll know if you have a valid warehouse accident case.
Gathering Evidence

Your warehouse accident lawyer will also help gather relevant evidence to build your case. Such pieces of evidence include:

  • Accident reports
  • Medical records
  • Witness statements
  • Expert statements
  • Photographs and videos from the scene
  • Employment and wage records

    Generally, gathering credible and comprehensive evidence helps build a watertight warehouse accident case by demonstrating liability, establishing the extent of your injuries, and maximizing the compensation you receive.
Legal Counsel

Taking the advice of your warehouse accident lawyer will set you on the right path, which increases your chances of winning your case. Morris Dewett Injury Lawyers will advise you on the best course of action, whether that involves filing a compens claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both.

We will also inform you of your rights and obligations under the law, ensuring that you take the necessary steps to protect your interests.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting if you don’t have legal representation. A warehouse accident lawyer will handle communications and negotiations with the insurance companies involved, advocating for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Your attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers will also help you avoid loopholes in personal injury cases. Some of the common reasons insurers cite to deny warehouse accident claims include the following:

  • Insufficient evidence to prove that the accident occurred
  • Pre-existing medical conditions
  • Non-compliance with policy terms
  • Liability disputes
  • Exclusions in the policy
  • Misrepresentation or fraud
  • Coverage limits on insurance policies

When dealing with insurance companies, hiring a skilled warehouse accident lawyer who understands the tactics insurers may employ to deny or devalue your claim is important. The Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers’ legal team can help you counter these arguments, gather additional evidence, and aggressively negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible compensation.

Filing and Managing Claims
A warehouse accident lawyer will also help you file the appropriate claims for workers’ compensation benefits, personal injury damages, or both. We will ensure that all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted within the required deadlines. We’ll also manage your case throughout the process, informing you of any updates and addressing any arising issues.
Preparing for Trial

If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement through negotiations, our legal team will prepare your case for trial. We will develop a solid legal strategy, present compelling arguments, and call upon expert witnesses to testify on your behalf if necessary.

At Morris Dewett Injury Lawyers, our warehouse accident attorneys in Louisiana and Texas have extensive trial experience, having previously handled similar industrial accident cases. Our success in trials sets us apart, which gives you a higher chance of securing the best compensation in your case.

Maximizing Compensation

Our skilled warehouse accident lawyers are well-versed in the various factors that can impact the value of your claim. We will work diligently to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages related to your injury. At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, our ultimate goal is to help you receive compensation to cover all the financial losses and emotional distress caused by your warehouse accident.

Working with an experienced lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that you have a strong advocate working tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. With our expertise and experience, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.

Common Types of Warehouse Accidents

Warehouses are activity hives, and workers are constantly at risk of sustaining injuries due to the work-related injury causes associated with these settings. Some of the most common accidents occurring in warehouses include:
  • Forklift accidents:

    Forklifts are frequently used in warehouses to transport heavy materials. Accidents can occur when a forklift tips over, collides with objects or people, or drops the load it is carrying, resulting in serious injuries.
  • Slip and fall accidents:

    These accidents may occur in warehouses due to wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways and may lead to fractures, sprains, and head injuries.
  • Chemical spills and exposures:

    Warehouses often store and use hazardous chemicals. Accidents can occur when these substances are spilled or improperly handled. Workers may suffer burns, respiratory issues, or long-term health complications due to chemical exposure.
  • Fires:

    Warehouse fires can result from electrical issues, faulty machinery, or the improper storage of flammable materials, leading to severe burns, smoke inhalation injuries, and wrongful deaths.
  • Falling objects:

    In a warehouse setting, items may be stacked or stored high up. Falling objects can strike workers below, causing head, neck, or back injuries, broken bones, or even fatalities.
  • Falls from heights:

    Warehouse workers often need to work at elevated heights, such as on ladders, platforms, or mezzanines. Falls from these heights can result in severe injuries, including fractures, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Electrocution:

    Electrocution accidents can occur when workers come into contact with faulty, unattended electrical wires or equipment, or when electrical systems are not adequately maintained. Electrocution can cause burns, nerve damage, and even death.
  • Machine entanglement:

    Warehouses often use large machinery for various tasks, and accidents can occur when workers become entangled in moving parts. This may result in severe injuries, such as crushed limbs.

Common Injuries Caused by Warehouse Accidents

Warehouse accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, depending on the nature and severity of the incident. Some common injuries sustained in warehouse accidents include the following:
  • Contusions and bruises:

    Blunt force trauma can result in contusions or bruises, causing pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.
  • Sprains and strains:

    Overexertion, lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements can cause strains on muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
  • Repetitive stress injuries:

    Workers who perform repetitive tasks or maintain awkward postures for extended periods may develop repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
  • Lacerations and puncture wounds:

    Workers can sustain cuts or puncture wounds from sharp objects, broken glass, or machinery with exposed moving parts.
  • Fractures and broken bones:

    Falls, being struck by falling objects, or forklift accidents can lead to broken bones, ranging from simple fractures to more severe compound fractures.
  • Neck and back injuries:

    Warehouse accidents can lead to neck and back injuries such as whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal cord damage, which may result in chronic pain or paralysis.
  • Respiratory issues:

    Exposure to hazardous chemicals, dust, or poor ventilation can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, or long-term lung damage.
  • Crush injuries:

    Being caught in or between machinery or heavy objects can result in crush injuries, which may cause severe damage to muscles, bones, and internal organs.
  • Burns:

    Chemical spills, fires, or electrocution accidents can lead to burns, ranging from minor first-degree burns to life-threatening third-degree burns.
  • Hearing and vision loss:

    Loud noise levels or exposure to chemicals may result in loss of hearing or vision, affecting your ability to work in the future.
  • Amputation:

    Serious accidents involving machinery or equipment can result in partial or complete amputation of limbs.
  • Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs):

    Falling objects, falls from heights, or truck collisions can cause head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, or TBIs.

Warehouse Accidents FAQs

If you are involved in a warehouse accident, taking specific steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights is crucial to the outcome of your case. Following these steps can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries:

Your priority should be to receive prompt medical care for any injuries sustained in the accident. Even if your injuries appear minor, it is crucial to be examined by a medical professional to document any potential issues.

Notify your supervisor or manager about the accident as soon as possible. Provide details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and any contributing factors. Your employer should then file an official accident report.

Record your account while the details are fresh in your mind. Please include information about the events leading up to the accident, the accident itself, and any aftermath. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazards that may have contributed to the accident.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information and ask for written statements describing what they observed.

Adhere to the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes and attend all follow-up appointments. This will demonstrate that you are taking your recovery seriously and help to establish the extent of your injuries.

Maintain records of your medical treatment, including copies of medical bills, doctor's notes, and prescription receipts. Also, keep track of any missed workdays and lost wages resulting from the accident.

 Refrain from discussing the details with coworkers, supervisors, or insurance adjusters until you consult an attorney. Be cautious when sharing information about the accident on social media, as this could be used against you in your claim.

Seek legal advice from an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process.

With the help of your attorney, promptly file a workers' compensation claim, personal injury claim, or both, adhering to your state's specific deadlines and requirements.

Keep any clothing or personal items damaged in the accident, as they may serve as evidence in your case. Also, avoid making repairs or alterations to the accident scene until your attorney can document the conditions.

Following these steps after a warehouse accident can help protect your health and legal rights, ensuring you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Working with our dedicated legal team also ensures you avoid any self-sabotaging actions that may hurt your claim.

Workers' Comp Claims After a Warehouse Accident

When an employee is injured on the job, their primary avenue for compensation is usually through a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to injured workers. In most cases, employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault, meaning that they do not have to prove negligence on the part of their employer to receive these benefits. Employees generally waive their right to sue their employer for negligence in exchange for these benefits.

Suppose an employee working in a warehouse suffers a back injury while lifting a heavy box, and the injury is directly related to their work. Such an employee may file a workers’ compensation claim for medical benefits and wage replacement during their recovery.

Personal Injury Lawsuits After a Warehouse Accident

A personal injury claim arises when a person suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. In some cases, a warehouse accident may also lead to a personal injury claim, particularly when the accident involves a third party or when the employer’s actions are deemed grossly negligent or intentional. In a personal injury case, the injured party must prove that the other party’s negligence caused their injury and that they suffered damages.

Suppose an employee working in a warehouse is injured when they are struck by a forklift operated by a third-party contractor. In this case, the employee may file a workers’ compensation claim against their employer for medical benefits and wage replacement and a personal injury lawsuit against the third-party contractor for additional damages, such as pain and suffering.

Consulting with the knowledgeable warehouse accident lawyers at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers helps you determine the appropriate course of action based on the specific circumstances of your case. Our legal team can focus on helping you navigate this complex situation and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve while you focus on resting and recovering.

Contact Our Warehouse Accident Lawyers Today for Legal Advice

Warehouse accidents are not uncommon in Louisiana and Texas and often result in severe injuries, lost wages, and long-lasting physical and psychological damages. Even worse, navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits in warehouse accident cases can be stressful, particularly when dealing with insurance companies looking to minimize their payouts. That is where the expertise of an attorney becomes invaluable.

At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we provide quality legal counsel and representation for warehouse workers injured while on the job. If you have been involved in a warehouse accident in Louisiana or Texas, we can guide you through the entire process, from gathering evidence and filing claims to negotiating with insurance companies and representing your interests in court if your case goes to trial.

Call us today at (318) 221-1508 to schedule a free case evaluation to determine whether you have a valid claim.

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