Compensation for Maritime Injuries May Cover Your Current and Future Damages

Injuries sustained in maritime accidents can be compensable. However, maritime laws—not personal injury laws—govern maritime-related injury cases. As part of your compensation case, you may recoup the following expenses and losses:

  • Medical and rehabilitation expenses
  • Income loss throughout your recovery
  • Lasting physical impairments
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental and emotional suffering

Your case is unique, so you may be entitled to additional compensation not included here. When we handle your lawsuit, we will take time to ensure your case is accurately valued and that you pursue the recovery you may be entitled to due to negligence.

The Death on the High Seas Act Allows Surviving Families to Recover Damages

If your loved one died while working on a vessel within three nautical miles of a U.S. shore, the Death on the High Seas Act entitles surviving spouses, children, parents, or dependent relatives to compensation to cover damages. The seaman’s employer may be held liable for damages, and whether your loved one held partial negligence in the fatal accident does not bar you from recovery.

Not all damages are covered through maritime-related wrongful death actions, such as loss of companionship or emotional trauma. However, you may qualify to receive compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering if the decedent suffered physical trauma or fell unconscious before passing away
  • Costs for funeral arrangements
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of income and other financial support from the decedent, including benefits
  • Loss of parental guidance and nurturing for surviving children

A lawyer from our team can review your case to determine whether your loved one’s death qualifies for wrongful death under maritime law. We can also look into other legal options should other liable parties exist in your case.

A Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Provide Valuable Advice and Services to Your Case

Are you pursuing your employer for financial recovery after suffering an on-the-job injury? If so, your compensation lawsuit might benefit from the assistance of a maritime injury lawyer. When our team represents you, we can help you:

  • Understand and interpret maritime law
  • Understand and interpret the Jones Act
  • Accurately value your recoverable damages
  • Handle insurance forms and communications
  • Locate and interview accident witnesses

You do not have to navigate the financial recovery process on your own. When you leave these details to us, you have time to focus on your physical recovery. We focus on recovering the monetary compensation you are entitled to collect due to neglect.

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What Kind of Advice Can a Maritime Lawyer in Alexandria, Louisiana, Offer?

If you are unfamiliar with maritime law, our attorneys may serve as your guide to navigating the litigation process.

If you decide to work with our team, we can provide legal counsel on:

  • Whether you have grounds to file for compensation under the Jones Act or Death on the High Seas Act
  • Whether you should pursue a maritime lawsuit if your employer’s insurer begins using tactics to stall negotiations
  • Whether you have grounds to sue a third party under personal injury law, which may allow you to pursue additional damages you wouldn’t qualify for under maritime law
  • Whether you should accept a settlement offer based on the value of your damages, which we will calculate to give you an understanding of what you’re entitled to receive

The case assessment team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can offer you guidance and direction and explain how an Alexandria maritime injury lawyer can help you with your case.

Types of Maritime Industry Careers That May Put Workers at Risk of Injury

Maritime workers do not qualify for federal or state workers’ compensation. However, the Jones Act gives them the right to sue for personal injuries. Under this law, a worker must qualify as a “seaman” to recover compensation for injuries. This does not mean that they must serve in the United States Navy to qualify, but they must work in a field that involves working on navigable waters. The maritime industry involves a wide range of career possibilities, including:

  • Commercial divers
  • Commercial fishermen
  • Processing plant employees
  • Shipyard workers
  • Transportation employees

If you or a loved one works in any of these maritime-related careers, you may qualify to recover compensation from your employer for your injuries and damages.

Types of Maritime Accidents

Maritime laws control the shipping business and its variables. Governed by maritime law, the following types of accidents and injuries might mean you are eligible for financial compensation from your employer:

  • Barge accidents
  • Deckhand injury
  • Dockworker accidents
  • Seaman injuries
  • Shipyard accidents

Maritime workers might incur dangers in their line of work. When employee injuries result from negligence, they might be compensable via a lawsuit or insurance claim.

Types of Maritime Injuries

Workers in the maritime industry face dangers that could frequently place them at risk, including slippery floors and decks, loose and shifting cargo, and equipment-related dangers. Commonly reported accidents may include:

  • Falls over railings or from equipment that might lead to accidental drownings
  • Slip, trip, and fall accidents that could cause fractures, bone breaks, or head injuries
  • Confinement or becoming trapped, which could lead to crushing injuries
  • Electrical or chemical burns that could damage one’s skin or nerves

A member of our team can give you a free consultation if you have suffered one or more of these injuries. You might be eligible for financial compensation to support yourself and your family while recovering from your injuries.

Proving Fault and Assigning Liability Involve Establishing Four Key Elements

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), worker safety is increased when equipment and vessels undergo regular maintenance and upkeep, chemicals are safely stored, and environmental hazards are controlled and managed.

As in all personal injury-based compensation lawsuits, your case will require proving the at-fault party’s negligence. To do so, we may prove the at-fault party’s duty of care to you, how they breached that duty, how the breach caused the accident, and what damages you suffered as a result.

Duty of Care

Your maritime workplace owes you a standard of care that can be provided with simple maintenance and attention to detail. That includes ensuring that indoor and outdoor floors are well maintained, and that equipment undergoes routine care and maintenance. It also means ensuring that workers are well-trained and provided with all necessary safety equipment.

Breach of Duty

If any of the above-mentioned conditions are not met, or your safety during your employment is compromised in any other fashion, you and your fellow workers might be at risk of injury. If that happens, your employer may be considered in breach of their duty to provide you with a standard of care.

Cause of Injuries

If your employer or the owner of the vessel where you work was negligent, and their negligence caused your injuries, they may bear financial responsibility for your damages. We may use your medical records and bills to prove the cause and cost of your injuries.

Financial Damages

If the at-fault party’s action led to your injuries, they may be responsible for your financial damages. Our team may help prove their negligence, value your injuries, and negotiate with the at-fault party.

Plaintiffs Have a Time Limit for Filing Maritime Lawsuits

Like personal injury cases, maritime lawsuits also must comply with a deadline set by the statute of limitations, found in 46 U.S. Code § 30106. Per this statute, plaintiffs generally have up to three years from the date of the maritime accident to file their lawsuit. This statutory deadline also applies to wrongful death cases involving maritime accidents, though the filing period may start on the date of the victim’s death.

If you do not submit your lawsuit within its statutory filing period, you may be barred from pursuing compensation through the federal court system. These cases can take time to build and involve complex factors, like foreign parties, so you should act as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss your case’s deadline.

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Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is truly a blessing!

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Tori E.

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

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Tracie M.

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's,...

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Lauren O'Quinn

New Orleans

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly a...

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Courtnie Heltz

New Orleans

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica wa...

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Marksville

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Mimi

Lake Charles

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

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Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

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anonymous

Car Accident

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Melanie B.

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Lisa G.

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Annabelle D.

Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attor...

Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attorney who is extremely knowledgeable and you'll never doubt that he'll get the job done!

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Kaitlin H.

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

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Sarah Jorden

Marksville

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated Toxic Water Claim. Mr. John Chaillot has been instrumental in advising me on documentation, timelines, and all matters pertaining to my case. A true professional and appreciated. Thank you.

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Stephan C.

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

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Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

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Tracie Martin

Alexandria

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

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Megan C.

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Michel Lanclos

New Orleans

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Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

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kelly

Lake Charles

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - profession...

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - professional and always on top of everything. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made sure I understood every step along the way. My case was resolved better than expected. I can’t thank them enough.

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Melody Johnson

New Orleans

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Lafayette

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Lake Charles

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

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I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

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Baton Rouge

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are gua...

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Patrick Conner

Baton Rouge

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Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

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She catches things most people would overlook, and she always makes sure every document is perfect before it leaves her hands.
Beyond her incredible skill set, Bridgette is also kind, reliable, and a true team player. She communicates clearly, stays organized under pressure, and goes above and beyond to make sure clients and attorneys alike feel supported.
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Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

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R.S.

Lafayette

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Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

Courtney Marsh has a positive attitude and great attention to detail in her work!

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Rhonda C.

They have good to keep me updated on the case but so far the settlement has not been reached.

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Lisa S.

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

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Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions ...

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions and concerns, and her professionalism was top notch. Her phone etiquette, and calm and caring attitude was outstanding.

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Gail

Baton Rouge

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! ...

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skylar bachman

New Iberia

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

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Sandi W.

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and ...

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His attention to detail, strong communication, and genuine dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. Derek went above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome, and I’m truly grateful for his hard work.

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Brylan Cormier

Lafayette

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in ...

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Sylvia Roy

New Iberia

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go throu...

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go through. They checked in on us to see how things were going with DR appointment and therapy. They checked in on the phone or by text and if I had a question and I was in Lafayette and I would stop by the office one of them would come to answer my questions. I truly appreciate the response and respect that they showed to me and my husband and I would really recommend them to family and friends.

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Hazel G.

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve h...

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve had with her has been positive — she takes the time to explain things clearly and makes the process much less stressful. Laborde Earles Law Firm is lucky to have someone like Jourdan on their team. I would highly recommend both Jourdan and the firm to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable legal support.

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Matt Picard

New Orleans

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Put an Alexandria Maritime Injury Lawyer to Work for You

Were you or someone you love injured in a maritime accident? A maritime injury lawyer from our team can work to assess the monetary value of your lawsuit, prove the negligence that led to your injuries, and negotiate for a favorable settlement on your behalf.

Learn more about how a lawyer from our firm could help you identify and seek recovery from the at-fault party. Contact the maritime accident team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today.

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