Certain jobs in Louisiana are more dangerous than others. When there is an injury, illness or condition suffered as a result of the work that a person does, workers’ compensation can be a figurative life-saver. After the incident in which the injuries are suffered or the condition manifests itself, it is imperative that the worker and his or her family take steps to get their benefits. If there is a problem, having legal help is also important.
Since Louisiana is a state in which oil and gas jobs are prevalent, there is a substantial chance of workers suffering injuries while doing these jobs. Such was the case when two workers at an oil and gas plant suffered serious burns after an explosion and fire. The accident happened not long after 9:30 a.m. According to the investigation, a third worker had bumped a tank valve. Gas was subsequently released and when it connected to a flame, there was an explosion. The two men were hurt with what was believed to be burns in the second and third-degree to their upper bodies. They were hospitalized and placed in the burn unit.
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to protect employees. However, there are times that there is an issue with the benefits. The claim could be denied, there might be a dispute over medical opinions regarding the seriousness of the injury, payments might not be made in full and more. Lost wages can lead to people having problems making ends meet. If they are sufficiently injured, they might not be able to return to work in a short period of time, if at all. Pursuing the benefits to which a worker needs sometimes requires assistance from a legal professional.
In this case, two men were injured when there was an explosion. They were burned and hospitalized. Since their injuries appear to be substantial, it is a question as to when or if they can get back on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits are there to help those injured in a workplace accident such as this. To ensure that they pursue an appropriate amount of compensation, injured workers and their families may want to consult with an attorney.
Source: ktbs.com, “2 injured at explosion at Bossier Parish plant,” Gary Hines, Aug. 16, 2017
