Offshore injuries are a common occurrence on oil rigs, barges, and ships on the Gulf Coast. Beyond the added risks posed by large and powerful bodies of water, individuals in the maritime industry are often working alongside heavy machinery. Due to the remote nature of offshore jobsites, medical intervention can be difficult, and victims’ injuries may intensify while they wait for help.
If you were injured at a waterway job site, you could benefit from the services of an Opelousas offshore accident lawyer. A maritime injury attorney could help you seek financial compensation for your financial, physical, and emotional losses.
Maritime Safety Laws
Various industries operate on the Gulf Coast, and many offshore work accidents occur in ports. Each port may have different safety regulations in place, making it impossible to look at offshore accidents as one-size-fits-all incidents.
Per Louisiana Revised Statutes 34 § 340.21, each port has the authority to determine its own safety and security plan. These plans cover all employees, ships, and other facilities connected to the port. According to this statute, many of the offshore facilities do not publish their safety and security plans, as they are confidential.
This secrecy can create a challenge for an employee claiming that the security plans were not followed to code. Additionally, because of the confidentiality of the safety plans, it can be difficult to determine if the employee was properly trained to ensure workplace safety. An offshore accident attorney could help an Opelousas plaintiff prove the injury was due to hazardous working conditions.
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.
ClientWhat an Offshore Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
An offshore injury lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers will:
- Gather all facts surrounding your case: We will determine when and how your injuries (or illness) happened.
- Obtain evidence and witness accounts: Video footage, incident reports, and eyewitness accounts may substantiate your personal injury claim. Our team will gather and preserve any usable evidence.
- Determine the appropriate course of action: We may advise a workers’ compensation claim, lawsuit, or another approach. We’ll take the route that we believe is most appropriate based on your unique circumstances.
- Identify all recoverable losses: Recoverable losses can be significant in offshore injury cases. Lost wages and medical bills may be two of your recoverable damages.
- Identify all liable parties: Some offshore injury cases involve multiple defendants. We will name all liable parties in your lawsuit or claim.
- Negotiate a settlement: Settlements can resolve civil cases without the victim having to go to court. We will lead settlement negotiations on your behalf. If liable parties will not settle for a fair figure, we can take your case to court.
- Complete a trial: When a trial is necessary, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers never shies away. We have the resources and motivation to complete your case – whether through a settlement or a trial.
We deal with all parties who could violate your rights – insurance companies, your employer, and other attorneys, to name a few. Protecting your rights is our priority.
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 | ClientRecoverable Damages in an Offshore Injury Case
We treat each victim of an offshore injury or illness as an individual. Your losses are unique to you. We must work with you, your doctors, and other experts to identify your recoverable damages.
Recoverable damages in an offshore injury case may include:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning power
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Total or partial disability (and related losses)
- In-home medical equipment
- Counseling for trauma
- Medications
The nature and extent of your damages will depend on your injuries. Losses may also depend on your response to injury and other personal factors. Our team will create a comprehensive record of your damages. You may get coverage for both existing and future damages. We will overlook nothing when seeking your financial recovery.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientStatute of Limitations for Offshore Injuries
The statute of limitations refers to the amount of time the state gives an individual to file a formal civil lawsuit. Under CC Art. 3492, plaintiffs must file most personal injury lawsuits within two years of the date of the incident.
If the injured party is seeking workers’ compensation due to the incident, a different statute of limitations will apply. According to L.R.S. 23 § 1301, injured individuals must report their damages to employers within 30 days of the incident to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. After this period, the claimant may be barred from receiving workers’ comp benefits.
The statute of limitations can also vary if the accident falls under maritime law. If you must file a lawsuit in federal court under the Jones Act (46 U.S. Code § 30101), for example, you generally have three years from the date of injury to do so. An Opelousas attorney experienced with offshore accident claims could help you identify the applicable statute of limitations and file your claim promptly.
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.
ClientReasons to Choose Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
The attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers have deep roots in Louisiana. We know how integral offshore workers are to our state’s economy and cultural fabric. When an offshore worker suffers injury, we believe it is our duty to help.
We have recovered many substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. We will seek a fair financial recovery for you, too. As we fight your case, we will:
- Be available to answer your questions and address your concerns
- Provide regular case updates
- Help you with case-related appointments
- Treat you like family
Don’t wait to get legal help. You should focus on recovery. Let us handle your case.
Working With an Opelousas Offshore Accident Attorney
An offshore injury could permanently affect your life. You could be facing serious physical and emotional trauma, as well as new financial burdens. An Opelousas offshore accident lawyer could help you recover damages for these losses. Damages could include medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
By contacting legal counsel, you can learn about your options and gain advice from a supportive legal professional. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777 for your FREE consultation.
