The maritime industry is a dangerous one, despite its valuable contribution to Louisiana’s economy. Maritime injuries can be serious and even fatal. As a seaman, you know that compensation can help to ease the financial burden you’re facing after your injury. But seeking compensation can be an uphill battle.
If you’re a seaman or maritime worker who has been injured in a work-related maritime accident, you could be eligible for financial compensation. A Scott seaman injury lawyer from our firm can help.
Leading Causes of Maritime Injuries
Enclosed Spaces
Cargo compartments and other enclosed places below deck may be polluted by:
- Carbon dioxide accumulation
- Oxygen deprivation
- Flammable, explosive, or poisonous fumes due to a lack of sufficient ventilation
They also may not have easy access to an escape route. Onboard ships, asphyxiation, poisoning, fires, and explosions frequently occur in tight places.
Falling Objects
Activities utilizing derricks and cranes on a ship’s top decks, such as loading and unloading cargo ships, can result in casualties from falling or moving tools, equipment, materials, and cargo. Many of these incidents happen due to incorrect rigging caused by:
- Inadequate maintenance
- A lack of training
- Poor supervision
- Improper loading of equipment
Burns and Electrical Injuries
Fire, explosions, or scorching in the engine room are the most common causes of thermal burns among a ship’s personnel. Smoke inhalation injuries and fatalities are common in fires.
Electric arcs or explosions, and contact with direct current electricity, can result in burns, electrical shock, or electrocution. Toxic substances can also cause contact burns.
Slips and Falls
Boat decks, stairways, and other surfaces may be damp, slippery, shifting, and uneven. Fractures, traumatic brain injury, back and spine injuries, and other traumas can result from falling to the deck.
Drowning, near-drowning, hypothermia, and harm from water animals are risks associated with falling from a vessel. In a collision, grounding, or sinking, falls and the subsequent impact injuries are also probable.
Toxic Chemicals
Chemicals in cargo and ship cleaning chemicals, scale removers, and solvents are hazardous. They can cause harm if breathed (typically in a restricted area) or come into contact with skin or eyes.
Other Types of Maritime Accidents
Maritime accidents can also include the following:
- Equipment failure
- Diving accidents
- Welding accidents
- Drowning
- Collisions between ships and permanent buildings or other ships
- Transportation incidents on route to or from the ship or rig
- Crane accidents
- Hoisting equipment or a broken mooring line
- Cargo that has been improperly stored or secured is being shifted
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientThe Jones Act
The Jones Act was created in 1920 to allow injured seamen to sue their employers for compensation. To qualify, you must work on a navigating vessel, contribute to its overall success, and spend at least 30 percent of your working hours onboard. You and your lawyer must prove that some form of negligence played a part in your accident. Your Scott seaman injury lawyer can help pinpoint the responsible party and gather the evidence that proves it.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWhat Kinds of Damages Can My Lawyer and I Pursue?
The following are the types of recoverable damages:
Medical Costs
This includes any medical procedures directly connected to your injuries, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and more.
Lost Wages
Lost wages include what you would have made if you hadn’t been wounded, both during the period you were injured and throughout treatment. If your injuries result in permanent disability, your compensation could also cover any lost benefits or income because of your inability to work.
Projected Medical Expenses
If your accident results in physical impairment, irreversible damage, or paralysis, that requires long-term healthcare services, a compensation claim may cover these costs. When a marine accident prevents you from working, either temporarily or permanently, it’s essential to estimate how much money you’ll need for medical care over time and claim these damages in your potential settlement.
Pain and Suffering
Not all scars are visible. We know that emotional trauma can be even more difficult to heal from. That’s why, if you have been injured on the job, you may be able to recover damages for your pain and suffering.
Of course, no amount of money written on a settlement check can change the pain you’re feeling. But our seaman injury lawyers in the Scott area know the value that substantial compensation (and the therapy it can pay for) can bring to the healing process.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow a Scott Seaman Injury Lawyer Can Help
Maritime and seaman injury lawyers defend seafarers who’ve been hurt on the job and people who have been harmed in recreational boating accidents.
The procedure for filing maritime compensation claims is often complex. You don’t have to do this alone. Your Scott seaman injury lawyer can do a lot to help, including:
- Determining the at-fault party and holding them accountable
- Drafting documents and filing your paperwork
- Keeping you informed about your case
- Explaining legal terms and concepts you may find confusing
- Negotiating with the insurance company and your employer’s attorneys
- Representing you in court if necessary
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientCall Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been involved in a maritime accident, our seaman injury lawyers can help. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we proudly serve the seamen and maritime workers of the Scott area. You don’t have to stress about legal fees because we work on a contingency fee basis. So we don’t win unless you do. We’re available 24 hours a day. Call now to schedule your free case evaluation.
