Barges are huge boats with flat bottoms designed to carry cargo along waterways. If you work on a barge and were injured in an accident, you might be entitled to financial compensation. An Alexandria barge accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers might be able to help you prove the cause of your accident and establish a financial value for your subsequent injuries.
If the barge where you were injured suffered from equipment or maintenance errors that led to your accident, your employer may be responsible for the financial aftermath of your accident. When you are ready to seek compensation, we might be able to help you fight for the compensation you are entitled to receive. Start building your case today by contacting the team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers.
Specific Laws That Affect Barge Accident Cases
Unlike local or state personal injury laws, your barge accident lawsuit might be governed by the Jones Act. The Legal Information Institute (LII) states that this legislation identifies Louisiana as a “major shipyard state” that is a primary port in the nation’s maritime industry. Similar to traditional workers’ compensation insurance, the Jones Act compensates injured maritime workers.
Our team is familiar with this law and can help you leverage it when seeking financial recovery. With our guidance, you might be able to collect recoverable damages, including:
- Current and anticipated medical expenses
- Current and anticipated loss of wages
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
You do not have to navigate the Jones Act on your own. Our team might be able to help you calculate your financial expenses and losses and assign a value to your case against your employer for negligence. When we represent you, we may also help you explore additional laws that impact your right to financial recovery. If the Jones Act does not apply to your case, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you recover the money you need.
Do Not Overlook the Maritime Statute of Limitations
Like all civil lawsuits, your barge accident lawsuit has a statute of limitations. It defines the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit in civil court. According to U.S Code 46 §30106, your right to seek financial compensation is typically limited to three years from the date of the injury.
If the time allotted to file your lawsuit expires, your right to financial recovery may be at risk. With help and direction from your lawyer, you can safely navigate the maritime law, the Jones Act, and the time limits it imposes on your lawsuit. If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve due to negligence, our team is ready to fight by your side.
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.
ClientProving Your Barge Accident Injuries
Due to their wet surfaces, heavy loads, and potential cargo shifts, barges can be dangerous environments for even the most careful employees. Accidents that might happen on a barge as it moves or is towed down a waterway include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Eruptions and fire accidents
- Equipment flaws and failures
If you were injured in one of these types of accidents while working on a barge, we can help you explore your options for financial compensation. Using your medical records and official reports of the barge accident, we may prove the financial extent of your injuries and your right to financial recovery.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can lead to dangerous long-term injuries that require costly and extensive treatment plans. Slip and fall accidents on wet surfaces might also lead to additional injuries if you attempt to break your fall, fall repeatedly while attempting to right yourself, or when cargo and debris fall onto you.
Eruptions and Fire Accidents
According to Merck Manual research, treating electrical, chemical, or other types of burns might require painful and expensive treatments.
Your health care team will help you define your treatment options. Our team can help you build a case to ensure your immediate and long-term health care needs are met without creating a financial hardship for you and your family.
Equipment Flaws and Failures
On a large boat like a barge, towing heavy weights and shiftable cargo, well-maintained, properly secured equipment is important, as is properly trained staff and attention to detail. If your barge accident was caused by negligence or insufficiencies on the part of the barge’s owner, leaser, your employer, or other staff members, you might have the right to compensation.
When one of our Alexandria barge accident lawyers represents you, we may request maintenance records for the vessel, employment and training records for fellow staff members, and copies of training manuals and other materials in use at the time of your accident.
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 | ClientAccess a Free Consultation With the Lawyers at Our Firm Today
While you cope with your injuries, it might be difficult to focus on building an effective lawsuit. Our team can help make sure your lawsuit is not put at risk of running out of time. Contact our attorneys today by calling (318) 777-7777.
