Sailors aren’t the only ones in the maritime industry who take significant risks while doing their job. Every day, workers in off-shore industries also encounter a variety of threats. If you’ve been injured while working on an off-shore oil rig or platform, or other maritime job, an Arnaudville off-shore accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help.
Common Injuries When Working Off-Shore
In the dangerous seafaring industry, injuries can be common, especially where there’s onboard negligence. Some of the most common injuries can include:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Serious burns
- Concussions or other head injuries
- Hearing loss
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
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 Can an Arnaudville Off-shore Accident Attorney Do for Me?
Following an off-shore injury, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical costs and lost pay. Hurt, confused, and unsure where to turn, you may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of filing a compensation claim all by yourself. It’s not easy to take on an employer that is backed by a large insurance company.
These are the primary reasons why Arnaudville offshore accident attorneys from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers do what they do.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers offers a team of personal injury lawyers to defend injured offshore workers and their families. It is not sufficient to file a claim to get compensation. You must be aware of the legislation governing your claim, how to make a claim, and what mistakes to avoid. With our knowledge and experience in handling legal matters, you can rest easy knowing that someone is fighting on your behalf. At the same time, you focus on recovery while surrounded by the warmth of your family.
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 | ClientIs There a Time Limit for Filing a Claim?
The Jones Act
For maritime employees, the time limit for filing a marine injury lawsuit (known as the statute of limitations) varies depending on the sort of work they were doing at the time of the accident. For example, if you were wounded while working as an off-shore oil worker, you may be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act.
The Jones Act is a federal maritime law that allows seamen to sue or submit a claim against an employer whose negligence has resulted in injury or death. The term “seamen” refers to maritime personnel who spend no less than 30% of their time working on a specific vessel.
You have three years from the accident date to make a claim or commence a lawsuit. Some exceptions may apply. For example, if an incident caused an injury or disease but symptoms did not appear until later, you have three years from the beginning of symptoms to file instead of three years from the date of the occurrence.
The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
If you work in the maritime industry, but not as a seaman, you may be entitled to compensation under the Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). These workers can include ship builders, repairers, dock workers, and even those who work in shipping terminals. Those who qualify under the LHWCA may be entitled to coverage of medical bills, lost pay, and rehabilitation. However, the statute of limitations for the LHWCA is just two years from the time of the accident, which must be reported to your employer within 30 days.
Off-Shore Injuries Recoverable Damages
Injured workers have the right to seek compensatory damages after an accident. Compensatory damages are monetary awards to compensate a victim for losses incurred due to another party’s carelessness. They can take the shape of both financial and non-financial losses.
Here are some instances of possible off-shore damages:
- Current and prospective medical costs and expenses
- Loss of current and future wages
- Permanent injuries and disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship due to wrongful death
Remember that the kind of compensation you may be eligible for will be determined by several factors. These factors could include the facts surrounding your accident, as well as the nature and severity of your injuries.
You can also apply for “maintenance and cure” payments if you’re a marine worker who qualifies under the Jones Act. Your attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help review your case to see if you are eligible for these types of benefits.
Maintenance and Cure
“Maintenance and cure” is one of the basic rights under the Jones Act. It states that if a person working on board a vessel gets harmed, they have certain rights regardless of who’s at fault for the injury. Until they have fully recovered, the vessel owner is responsible for the victim’s living expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, electricity, and medical care. The injured don’t need to show that the vessel owner is at fault to qualify for these benefits.
If your employer refuses to pay your medical expenditures due to your injury, thereby denying your right to maintenance and cure, an Arnaudville offshore accident lawyer can help you defend your rights.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientThe Cost of Hiring an Arnaudville Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
When you’ve been injured and cannot work, paying for a lawyer may be difficult. That is why at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis to represent our clients. You don’t have to pay attorney fees unless we successfully recover funds for you.
Don’t wait until your statute of limitations has run out. Contact us today for a free consultation at (337) 777-7777.
