Louisiana has many jobs in the energy sector and many of these jobs can be risky for workers. Because these jobs are often associated with explosive material, dangerous substances, situations where people can fall from great heights, the use of heavy equipment and locations that could be rife with hazards, it is natural that people will occasionally suffer injuries. When there is a workplace accident, it is imperative for the workers and their families to know about workers’ compensation benefits.
According to a recent report, three workers were hurt at a chemical plant for Exxon Mobil Corp. when they suffered burns. The burns came from contact with sulfuric acid. The workers were contractors for the company. A spokesman for the Department of Environmental Quality said that there were no issues offsite after the incident. A spokeswoman for the company said that the workers were first treated by emergency staff at the location. Two went to the hospital to be evaluated. The third went to a clinic. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Any work injury can be serious even if it does not initially appear so. Not every work injury results in clear damage, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, cuts and even lost limbs. Some involve chemical burns. It can take time to determine the severity and how it will affect the worker in multiple ways, including the ability to get back on the job, whether there were mental aftereffects and if the injuries can have long-term damage. Workers’ compensation provides for lost wages, medical care and more after the injury.
When, as in this incident, it is a contractor who was injured, there could be a dispute as to whether the company that hired the contracting company or the contracting company is responsible for the workers’ compensation benefits. There could also be issues getting benefits for the duration the worker believes he or she needs it. The workers must be aware of their rights and protect themselves with help from a law firm that is experienced in workers’ compensation cases.
