Ruston Construction Accident Lawyers

Q: What is the borrowed servant doctrine and how does it affect my construction accident claim?

Under La. R.S. 23:1031(C) (https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=83330), the borrowed servant doctrine can treat a worker lent to another employer as the employee of the borrowing employer for workers compensation purposes. On Ruston construction sites, this often comes up when a subcontractor places workers under a general contractor's daily supervision. Louisiana courts apply a multi-factor test examining who directed the work, who had the right to discharge the worker, who supplied the tools, and how long the arrangement lasted. When the doctrine applies, the borrowing employer and your regular employer are both responsible for your benefits, and both are shielded from a civil negligence suit by you.

Ruston construction work follows I-20 and US-167, the commercial strip along North Trenton Street, and the building that goes on around Louisiana Tech and downtown. A worker hurt on one of those sites is taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center on East Vaughn Avenue. When police respond, the Ruston Police Department writes the report inside the city limits and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office writes it outside them. A Lincoln Parish suit can be filed in the Third Judicial District Court, which sits at the Lincoln Parish Courthouse, 100 West Texas Avenue. Trey Morris Injury Lawyers is at 1831 North Trenton Street, Suite 2. We identify every contractor on the site, request the incident report, and send preservation letters for the equipment and the daily logs once the facts give us an honest basis for them. The equipment in its post-accident condition can show what failed, and the daily logs can show which company was directing the work that day. We have obtained millions for injured workers and their families in construction accident cases.

What Causes Most Construction Accidents and Injuries in Ruston, LA?

The leading causes are known as the fatal four: falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in-between events.

Falls account for 36.4 percent of fatal construction accidents, typically from heights such as ladders and scaffolding. Slips and trips also cause same-level falls.

Struck-by incidents are involved in over 15 percent of construction deaths, and those deaths have increased nearly 8 percent over the past decade. They include vehicles hitting workers and industrial equipment or falling materials striking workers.

Electrocutions cause approximately 7 percent of construction worker deaths, through direct or indirect contact with electrical current.

Caught-in-between events (crushing, collapsing, and entanglement) cause over 5 percent of annual construction deaths. Collapsing materials incidents have increased over 31 percent since 2018.

Other accidents come from equipment failures, hazardous substance exposure, noncompliance with safety regulations, inadequate worker training, and failure to provide essential safety equipment.

Our Ruston Office

1831 N Trenton St, Ste 2
Ruston, LA 71270

318-702-8648

Open 24/7 for injured Ruston residents

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What to Do After a Construction Accident in Ruston, LA

Get medical care right away, at an emergency facility or a private practice. Your physicians diagnose and treat your injuries and document the information your claim will need.

File an accident report with your employer within 30 days of the construction accident to remain eligible for workers compensation benefits in Louisiana.

Collect evidence, including witness names and contact information, plus pictures, videos, and debris documentation from the accident scene.

Be careful about what you say to insurance companies. Their priority is paying as little as possible on your claim.

Representative Results

$409 Million Wrongful Death

A tragic case where an impaired driver of a commercial vehicle ran a red light, then collided with our client, causing serious bodily injury to the mother and the loss of life of her daughter.

$49 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

An impaired driver of a stolen vehicle driving the wrong way collided with our client head-on, resulting in brain injury and multiple broken bones.

$32,195,000 Industrial / Workplace

Failure to maintain proper safety protocols led to an explosion at an industrial plant causing a series of catastrophic injuries from broken bones, burns, spinal injury, and mental anguish.

$31.5 Million Industrial / Workplace

Brain and spinal injuries followed an oil-field company failing to maintain equipment and provide a safe work site.

$17.25 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Client was struck head-on by a disconnected load of an 18-wheeler that crossed the median causing broken bones and amputation.

$13 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

On the interstate, an 18-wheeler failed to yield right of way then made an unsafe lane change causing the accident which resulted in major bone breaks, damaged organs, and ultimately a leg amputation.

$12.1 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

A commercial vehicle failed to stop at a red light subsequently crashing into our client causing serious brain injury and permanent loss of function.

$7 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

When the other vehicle struck our client, the result was a major hemorrhage and a stroke.

$7 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

An 18-wheeler cut across traffic on an illegal left turn and hit our client, who suffered neck and back injuries.

$6.25 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

A fatigued commercial-vehicle driver fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended our client, leaving our client with severe neck and back injuries.

$4.95 Million Wrongful Death

A hydraulic line exploded at a job site, taking the life of our client's loved one.

$4 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Our client's vehicle was struck by the at-fault vehicle, resulting in neck and back injuries.

$3.3 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

Motor vehicle collision. Details not publicly disclosed.

$3.25 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Commercial vehicle collision. Details not publicly disclosed.

$3.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

While our client was stopped, the at-fault driver rear-ended our client's vehicle and set it on fire, leaving our client seriously hurt.

$3.15 Million Wrongful Death

An 18-wheeler caused a fatal collision that took the life of our client's loved one.

$3 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

A commercial vehicle struck and killed our client's loved one, who was on foot.

$3 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

Out on the highway, the at-fault driver hit our client.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; each case is decided on its own facts. See our full case results.

Who You Can Sue After a Ruston Construction Accident

A suit against your direct employer is generally barred by La. R.S. 23:1032, the exclusive remedy rule of workers compensation. The same protection covers your co-employees and the employer’s officers acting in the course of their work, and a statutory employer (La. R.S. 23:1061). A company outside that protection whose fault caused your injury, such as another subcontractor or an equipment manufacturer, can be sued as a third party, and many construction accident cases involve both a workers comp claim against the employer and a civil lawsuit against one or more of those third parties. Who falls inside the protection is frequently contested.

If a subcontractor employed you, whether you can sue the general contractor depends on whether it is your statutory employer under La. R.S. 23:1061. A general contractor is your statutory employer when your employer’s work is part of the general contractor’s own contract with the owner, and another company can become one through a written contract with your employer that says so. A statutory employer has the same protection as your employer, so a negligence claim under La. C.C. Art. 2315 generally lies only against a company outside that relationship.

You have two years from the day you were hurt to file suit against a third party (La. C.C. art. 3493.1).

Your Ruston Injury Attorneys

Founder Trey Morris leads every injury case the firm takes.

Trey Morris
Owner

What clients say

★★★★★
Where should I start!?
Trey Morris Injury Law Firm was a great fit for me! During this wild time of getting into a car wreck, dealing with insurance, and other third parties, Mrs. Brooke and Mrs. Nerren were extremely helpful! They were there for me through the whole process and never once did I doubt their professionalism. They will fight tooth and nail for you and get you what you deserve. I would recommend them to anyone.
Dakota R.Ruston Office · Oct. 22, 2026
★★★★★
I just want to express how pleased I am with [Trey Morris Injury Lawyers].
Their caring team made a huge difference in my experience. From the moment I reached out, they were attentive and supportive, guiding me through every step of the process. They truly took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel valued as a client. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a compassionate and dedicated legal team!
Maram Z.Ruston Office · Apr. 28, 2025
★★★★★
Joe and Jaime were awesome with helping me from beginning to end.
Loved working with such a great team!
ChristinRuston Office · Oct. 12, 2026
★★★★★
My sister and I rate Trey Morris Injury Lawyers a 10 out of 10.
They are so dedicated to assisting families when the unexpected occurs. We are so greatful with the settlement received. Thank you all for everything.
Crystal M.Ruston Office · Oct. 3, 2026
★★★★★
Trey Morris what a great experience if I ever have to suggest a lawyer's office Morris is my first choice will be suggesting to friends and family
Adam W.Shreveport Office · Oct. 16, 2026
★★★★★
Very professional and very easy to work with throughout the whole case!
Lane and Men helped make the whole process go smonthly with no stress
Victoria M.Lake Charles Office · Oct. 8, 2026

Testimonials do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

What Damages Are Included in Construction Accident Compensation?

Recoveries depend on whether workers compensation applies and whether a personal injury case is viable. Workers compensation covers medical care and lost earnings. Successful personal injury claims may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to file a construction accident lawsuit in Louisiana?

You have two years from the day you were hurt to file a personal injury lawsuit under La. C.C. Art. 3493.1. Workers compensation claims have a separate deadline under La. R.S. 23:1209, generally one year from the accident or from the last weekly benefit payment, and up to three years from the last medical payment for a medical benefits claim. Missing either deadline ends your right to recover.

What is the borrowed servant doctrine and how does it affect my construction accident claim?

Under La. R.S. 23:1031(C), the borrowed servant doctrine can treat a worker lent to another employer as the employee of the borrowing employer for workers compensation purposes. On Ruston construction sites, this often comes up when a subcontractor places workers under a general contractor's daily supervision. Louisiana courts apply a multi-factor test examining who directed the work, who had the right to discharge the worker, who supplied the tools, and how long the arrangement lasted. When the doctrine applies, the borrowing employer and your regular employer are both responsible for your benefits, and both are shielded from a civil negligence suit by you.

How do OSHA violations help a construction accident case in Louisiana?

OSHA is a federal regulatory agency that sets workplace safety standards for construction sites. When an employer or contractor violates a specific OSHA standard, that violation is admissible in a Louisiana civil case as evidence of negligence under La. C.C. Art. 2315. Courts have recognized that OSHA standards define the minimum safe practice for a given activity, so a violation supports a finding that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care. OSHA investigation records are obtainable under the Freedom of Information Act after a site investigation closes and can be subpoenaed in litigation.

What is a workers compensation lien and does it reduce my recovery?

When your workers comp insurer pays your medical bills and wage replacement benefits, it acquires a lien under Louisiana law against any civil recovery you obtain from a third party. If you recover $300,000 from a third-party defendant and your insurer paid $80,000 in benefits, the insurer can recover up to $80,000 from your civil recovery. Louisiana law provides mechanisms to reduce the lien amount under certain circumstances, including the lien holder's proportional share of attorney fees and costs. Your attorney should negotiate the lien reduction as part of structuring your overall recovery, not after the fact.

What if I was an independent contractor, not an employee, when I was injured?

Independent contractors are generally outside workers compensation and its exclusive remedy rule, so a true independent contractor can usually file a civil negligence claim directly against the responsible parties. The exception matters on construction sites, because an independent contractor who spends a substantial part of the work time doing manual labor under the contract is covered by workers compensation, and the exclusive remedy rule then applies. However, Louisiana courts look at the economic reality of the work relationship, not just how the parties labeled it. If you were working under the direction and control of another party who supplied your tools and set your schedule, you may have been misclassified as an independent contractor.

Last updated October 17, 2026