When talking to an injury lawyer, you should not hold back information about the accident you were hurt in. The more information you provide a New Orleans injury attorney, the more accurately they can determine if you have the grounds for a claim and can pursue compensation. If you are injured as a garbage truck driver, you should explain the circumstances of how you were injured, and an attorney can help you.
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New Orleans Garbage Truck Driver Injury Lawyer
Garbage Truck Driver Injury Attorney in New Orleans, LA
Garbage truck drivers provide an essential service for the community, but their work also places them at a high risk of injury. If you have been injured in a vehicle accident or another incident while working as a garbage truck driver, you need legal representation. A skilled New Orleans garbage truck driver injury lawyer can help you navigate a claim for an on-the-job injury.
At Murphy Law Firm, we have worked for over 30 years to represent the interests of injured employees and their families. Whether you were in a collision, were hurt by defective equipment, or have developed an injury over time, our New Orleans garbage truck driver injury attorneys can help you file the relevant claim to financially recover from your injuries.
What Injuries Do Garbage Truck Drivers Often Sustain?
Sanitation workers face many potential hazards on the job, and work in one of the more dangerous professions. Collectors of refuse and recyclable materials had a fatal injury rate of 41.4 per 100,000 full-time employees in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was 7.8 times the average fatal injury rate of all U.S. employees.
Injuries that garbage truck drivers can suffer include:
- Sprains and strains. Repetitive motion injuries are a frequent cause of injury on the job, especially for sanitation workers who are lifting heavy objects or repeating the same motion during their work.
- Puncture wounds and lacerations. Hazardous and dangerous objects are often improperly disposed of, and this can cause injury to garbage truck drivers.
- Heatstroke. Garbage truck drivers, especially those whose work hours are during the day, can suffer from heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.
- Neck or back injuries. These are common from falls or falling objects.
- Broken bones. Machinery accidents or vehicle collisions can result in serious injuries, including multiple broken bones and crushing injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries. In vehicle accidents or even certain falls, garbage truck drivers can suffer a jolt or blow to the head, which causes serious damage. Traumatic brain injuries range from minor concussions to injuries that cause permanent disability.
Injuries can have life-altering consequences. While financial support cannot fix everything caused by your injuries, it can provide you with some stability and protection. It’s crucial you get medical treatment after an injury.
What Are the Common Causes of New Orleans Garbage Truck Driver Injuries?
Employees who operate garbage trucks face hazards in several different aspects of their work. Some of the most common reasons for injuries and potential claims include:
- Vehicle accidents. Car accidents happen on the road every day, and garbage trucks have the potential to be involved in them. While they are less common, they do occur. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 1,200 injury crashes and 80 fatal crashes involving garbage and refuse trucks in 2020. When garbage truck drivers are injured because of a negligent driver, they can file a claim with that driver’s insurer. Working with a New Orleans truck accident lawyer ensures these complex cases are handled with the skill they require.
- Loading and lifting injuries. Frequent lifting and loading of heavy garbage loads can cause sprains, strains, tears, and other repetitive motion injuries. Although no one may be at fault, garbage truck drivers may still be able to recover compensation. When the injuries happen because of job duties, a workers’ compensation claim is possible.
- Slip and fall. These accidents can occur because of inclement weather, uneven or slippery flooring in vehicles, or fatigue. Garbage truck drivers and other sanitation workers may frequently jump off and on the truck, which can increase the risk of falling.
- Falling objects. Loose items in or around garbage can fall on sanitation workers.
- Machinery accidents. Refuse trucks operate with heavy machinery for emptying trash. These machines can create risks like caught-in accidents. Injuries are also likely if the machinery is defective.
- Hazardous materials. Employees can be injured or develop an infection or disease because of broken glass, needles, other sharp objects, chemicals, and other dangerous substances in garbage. Because of these varied causes, claims can quickly become complex. Understanding how federal regulations impact truck accident lawsuits is often a key factor in determining liability and settlement value.
Meet Our Attorney
Peyton Murphy
Peyton Murphy, a Louisiana lawyer with 30+ years of experience, specializes in personal injury cases. He founded Murphy Law Firm in Baton Rouge in 1993 and fights for his clients’ compensation.
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FAQs
How Much Are Most Garbage Truck Accident Settlements in New Orleans, LA?
Every settlement for a garage truck accident is unique because incidents happen in numerous different ways and cause different injuries. The more serious your injuries are, the higher a settlement is likely to be. Other circumstances influence the value of the settlement, such as whether you were partially liable and whether you have the support of a dedicated attorney. If you hire a garbage truck driver injury lawyer, they can help you maximize the damages you can recover.
How Long Does a Garbage Truck Driver Injury Claim Take in Louisiana?
There isn’t a set timeline for a garbage truck driver injury claim in Louisiana, and it may take weeks or many months. Some settlements can be secured quickly, especially if you work with an attorney who can find clear evidence of another party’s fault. Other settlements may take longer and even require the case to go to trial. This may happen if fault is contested, the evidence is unclear, or the at-fault party is unwilling to settle.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer in New Orleans, LA?
A garbage truck accident lawyer will likely charge a contingency fee, which means you don’t pay upfront attorney’s fees. You only pay a percentage of the final compensation you are awarded if the attorney succeeds in recovering a settlement or verdict. The exact value of the contingency fee will vary, so always talk with an attorney about their policies. Attorneys will likely have higher fees if they are more experienced and if your case requires significant resources.
Hire a Garbage Truck Driver Injury Lawyer in New Orleans Today
When you work with Murphy Law Firm, we provide you with compassionate and exceptional legal support. Contact our firm today and learn how we can help after a garbage truck accident.
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When you choose Murphy Law Firm, you gain access to a team of experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success. We understand the importance of trust, and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional results.
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