If you have been in a work-related accident in Lake Charles recently that has forced you to amputate any part of your body, you have multiple options available for financial support. Maritime work can be dangerous and many aspects of this profession can easily result in accidental amputation.
The Lake Charles maritime injury lawyers at Laborde Earles are here to serve you. When hired, we will present every option available to you in your campaign to be compensated.
Physical stability is the most important thing after an amputation changes your life forever. Coming a close second is financial stability when that same injury might put you out of work for the foreseeable future.
Why We Should Be the Lawyers of Choice for Your Amputation Injury Lawsuit
The path to financial compensation requires extensive knowledge of federal law as it pertains to maritime workers. Our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers know how to apply the benefits of these laws to your case after a crippling accident. Offshore workers are not eligible for regular workers’ compensation and must use other methods if they are to seek financial compensation for their injuries.
We believe in easing our clients’ burdens. Claimants who work with us do not have to worry about reading federal legislation or conducting investigations to determine fault in a personal injury case. Medical expenditures incurred as a result of an injury necessitating amputation may be covered by your compensation claim.
At the same time, something as traumatic as amputation requires damages for your loss of quality of life. This should encompass how amputation affects your life as a whole, not just your employment.
As a seasoned firm with over 350 years of combined experience at your disposal, we are well-versed in figuring out how much a case should be worth. We will establish a plan of action with the aim of securing you the best settlement or verdict possible.
We bear the weight of legality; all we ask is that you do one thing: Make the call. There are no financial restrictions preventing you from receiving the assistance you require. You owe us nothing unless we win your case.
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.
ClientInjured Maritime Workers Seeking Compensation Have Options
If you are an offshore worker that has been injured while working on a docked ship, you have two major options for compensation. A compensation claim via the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or a personal injury claim under the Jones Act.
LHWCA claims cover the full and ongoing costs of medical treatment related to your accident and amputation, as well as financial troubles resulting from your incapacity to work as a result of the injury. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you determine whether or not you qualify to file a claim.
Personal injury claims under the Jones Act allow claimants to sue for other damages such as disfigurement, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, the psychological impact of losing a limb, and all of the physical and mental troubles that your amputation has caused your life and family.
But, in order to recover these damages, you must first demonstrate that another person’s negligence was the cause of your injury. If you employ us, we will take the burden of proving fault off your shoulders. We will assist you in determining how much your at-fault party should be compensating you for the irreversible impact being an amputee has had on your life.
Maritime workers covered by the LHWCA Include the following:
- Shipbuilders
- Ship repairmen
- Cargo loaders
- Forklift operators
- Pier constructors
- Longshoremen
Significantly, ship crew personnel (also known as Seamen) are not protected by LHWCA laws. However, In the event of an accident, they may still seek compensation under the Jones Act.
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 | ClientAmputation Treatment Costs and Services
It comes as no surprise that amputation treatment is expensive. Following an accidental limb amputation, you may require surgery on the afflicted body portion. In other situations, your limb may be irreparably damaged and must be surgically removed. Some of the many procedures and provisions related to amputee care can be seen below:
- Amputation surgery
- Treatment for complications (skin infections, muscular atrophy, etc.)
- Prescriptions and treatment for pain management
- Mobility assistance tools
- Prosthetic costs, repairs, and ongoing maintenance services
- Rehabilitation services
- Mental health therapy and counseling
The cost of rehabilitation after losing a limb will vary depending on the injury itself. Most to all cases will require ongoing care and therapy. Even with years of treatment, some may never be able to return to their profession.
When estimating damages, offshore workers and seamen should include all of the aforementioned procedures and treatments in their total worth of damages. Your employer’s lawyer may oppose your claim or make an initial offer to you. Do not accept this without speaking to a Lake Charles boating accident lawyer. They will assist you in determining a reasonable sum and will fight to ensure that you receive it.
Amputation Symptoms and Lasting Repercussions
In addition to the initial shock associated with losing a limb, victims tend to face additional complications and challenges after their life-altering injury. Such as:
- Phantom limb pain
- Nerve damage after surgery
- Heart complications
- Pneumonia
- Deep vein thrombosis
Any of the aforementioned consequences are possible after your accident, but an unexpected or emergency amputation dramatically enhances the likelihood of one of these complications occurring. First and foremost, prioritize your health and recovery and take all reasonable actions possible to stabilize your condition. Avoid additional stress and leave legal dealings to a maritime amputation injury lawyer who will manage your case during your rehabilitation journey.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientIf I Don’t File Right Away, Will I Always Be Eligible for Compensation?
The deadline for personal injury claims in Louisiana is two years after the accident has taken place, after which you will be barred from seeking compensation and the defendant in your claim can have your case thrown out.
The deadline for LHWCA claims is substantially shorter. Within 30 days, you must provide your employer with a written notice of injury. You will not be denied medical benefits if your submission is late; however, depending on your employer and the reason for the late report, you may face issues with compensation benefits.
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.
ClientWe’re Here for You. 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year
Our attorneys are ready to hear your case and help you rebuild your life. Call us immediately for a free consultation so we can put our experience and knowledge of the law to work for you.
