Maritime workers face unique risks daily in the maritime industry, from offshore drilling units to fishing and supply boats. If you’ve suffered a maritime injury while working offshore or aboard a vessel, you need a Baton Rouge maritime injury lawyer who understands admiralty laws and maritime claims.
At Laborde Earles, we are dedicated to assisting injured and offshore workers, as well as their families, in their pursuit of compensation for their losses. With over 350 years of combined experience, our legal team has successfully handled a wide range of personal injury claims, including those involving offshore accidents, collisions between vessels, and equipment failure.
Our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers can guide you through the legal process. Contact Laborde Earles today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your maritime accident claim.
Understanding Maritime Claims and Legal Protections
Maritime workers have unique legal rights under admiralty laws, including the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Such legislation provides injured workers with avenues to seek financial compensation for their injuries. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to file a:
- Jones Act Claim: Protects seamen injured due to employer negligence or an unseaworthy vessel
- Maritime Injury Claim: Covers a wide range of accidents, from offshore oil rig accidents to ship accidents
- Wrongful Death Claim: Provides compensation for families who have lost a loved one in a maritime accident
- Personal Injury Action: Allows injured parties to seek damages for medical services, emotional distress, and property damage claims
Our offshore injury attorneys have extensive legal experience handling these types of claims, ensuring you receive the maximum financial recovery possible.
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.
ClientCompensation for Maritime Injuries
In a maritime accident claim, injured parties may be entitled to a variety of damages, including:
- Economic Damages: Reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life
- Property Damage Claims: Recovery for damaged personal or professional equipment
- Additional Damages: Coverage for daily living expenses, basic living expenses, or ongoing medical attention
Our maritime injury lawyers in Baton Rouge work tirelessly to identify all types of damages you may be eligible for, from immediate medical bills to long-term losses caused by catastrophic injuries.
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 | ClientTypes of Maritime Workers We Represent
Our legal team represents a variety of maritime workers, including but not limited to:
- Offshore drilling contractors and crew members
- Supply boat crew members
- Construction workers on loading facilities
- Commercial fishermen and shrimpers
- Crew members on seagoing vessels, including barges, fishing boats, and drilling rigs
No matter your maritime occupation or type of vessel involved, we have the legal experience to handle your claim.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientCommon Maritime Accidents and Injuries
The maritime occupation comes with inherent dangers. Maritime accidents often result from employer negligence, faulty equipment, or unsafe working conditions. Some of the most common types of accidents include:
- Offshore Oil Rig Accidents: Injuries caused by explosions, equipment malfunction, or inadequate training on drilling rigs
- Barge Accidents: Incidents involving collisions, slippery surfaces, or improper vessel maintenance
- Commercial Fishing Accidents: Injuries sustained by fishing boat crew members due to faulty equipment or vessel owner negligence
- Boating Accidents: Collisions between vessels, recreational boats, or crew boats
- Accidents on Loading Facilities: Injuries occurring at docks, ports, or during cargo loading and unloading
These accidents often lead to debilitating injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. They leave victims with mounting medical bills.
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.
ClientWhat Causes Maritime Accidents?
Maritime accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which involve negligence on the part of vessel owners, employers, or other responsible parties. Common causes include:
- Equipment Failure or Malfunction: Faulty equipment or poor maintenance can lead to serious injuries.
- Slippery Surfaces: Wet decks and poorly maintained workspaces increase the risk of falls.
- Inadequate Training: Employers who fail to properly train crew members put everyone at risk.
- Maritime Negligence: Engaging in unsafe practices, such as overloading vessels or ignoring safety protocols, can result in accidents.
If you’ve been injured due to a negligent party, our Baton Rouge maritime accident attorneys can help you hold the liable parties accountable.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act is a federal statute that allows you to seek compensation if you suffer injuries after a Baton Rouge maritime accident.
Maritime workers covered by the Jones Act are those who work onboard a navigable ship or vessel as a member of the crew (seamen) and spend at least 30% of their time onboard. Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years to file a claim.
The LHWCA
The LHWCA covers marine workers who aren’t considered seamen and don’t qualify for the Jones Act. But there are some important differences. After a maritime accident, the first thing you should do (after seeking medical care) is file a report.
Under the LHWCA, you have 30 days in which to notify your employer of your injury and two years after the accident to file a compensation claim.
How a Baton Rouge Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Help
A Baton Rouge maritime injury lawyer can assist you in many ways after an accident. They could review your case to determine if the negligence of another party contributed to your injuries.
This process may involve watching video footage or talking to witnesses. It can also include reviewing vessel maintenance records to determine if the accident occurred due to a faulty part.
Other ways an attorney can help include:
- Assessing damages
- Answering questions about maritime law
- Consulting a physician regarding your health care needs
- Getting an accident report from your supervisor
- Providing legal guidance
The law provides various options for victims of Baton Rouge maritime accidents to file a claim. These are through the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Your attorney can determine the correct route to seek reimbursement based on your employment position.
Call a Baton Rouge Maritime Lawyer Today
A Baton Rouge maritime injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for physical harm and property damages. At Laborde Earles, we can assess your case and provide you with legal guidance specific to your maritime injury claim.
Our attorneys can handle your case so you can focus on recovering from your injury. Contact Laborde Earles now for a free consultation.
