The maritime industry is full of its own unique dangers and risks. These can lead to severe injuries and life-threatening accidents for maritime workers. If you sustain physical harm in the maritime field, you may seek compensation from the liable party by filing a claim to help pay for your medical expenses.
A Baton Rouge maritime injury lawyer can help you identify the at-fault party and seek reimbursement. Continue reading for more details about how an attorney can guide you through the process and the various damages you may be able to claim.
Causes of Maritime Accidents and Common Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common causes of maritime injuries. These can occur due to slippery surfaces, or stray cords and electrical wires on decks, walkways, and staircases. These falls often cause minor injuries like bruises, cuts, abrasions, and ankle or wrist sprains. However, those that occur in hazardous environments may lead to severe injuries, including:
- Hip fractures
- Leg and arm fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Another common cause of maritime injuries is collision or impact with various objects. For example, collision with a moving cart or luggage on a crane. Such accidents can often lead to severe injuries and physical impairment since they involve a hard impact. In addition, most ships use toxic chemicals to remove scale and clean the vessel. Such substances can lead to corrosion and skin burns if handlers do not use them properly or don’t wear the proper protective gear.
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Parties that May be Liable for a Baton Rouge Maritime Injury
You may hold various parties accountable for injuries sustained in a Baton Rouge maritime accident. Negligence often plays a big part in maritime injuries. A lawyer can help you identify who to file a claim against based on how the incident occurred.
For example, if your injuries resulted from a faulty machinery part, they could help determine the party responsible for maintenance. If the physical harm was due to a ship construction accident, they might file a claim against the site owner or contractor. Other parties that your lawyer could pursue compensation against could be:
- The ship or boat company
- Your employer
- The supervisor
- Dock management
- Vessel repair company
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Damages You May be able to Recover
The damages you may claim after a Baton Rouge maritime accident will depend on the extent of your injuries. Coverage of medical costs will cover the expenses for treating maritime injuries and their associated effects. Some costs you may recover are:
Physical Health Costs
Many maritime accidents result in physical injuries you can see, such as broken bones. You can seek compensation for the costs associated with:
- Emergency care
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Medication
- Assistive medical devices
- Long-term treatment
Mental Health Costs
You may also seek reimbursement for the cost of treating mental health injuries. For example, if you suffered PTSD due to the incident, you may seek compensation for counseling and therapy. You could also sue for:
- Lost income or wages
- Consortium loss
- Disfigurement
- Physical pain
- Loss of life enjoyment
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The Jones Act and the LHWCA
The Jones Act is a federal statute that allows you to seek compensation if you suffer injuries after a Baton Rouge maritime accident. You may qualify if you work onboard a navigable ship or vessel as a member of the crew (seamen) and spend at least 30% of your time onboard. Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years to file a claim.
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 to file a report. Under the LHWCA, you have 30 days in which to notify your employer of your injury, and a year after the accident to file a compensation claim.
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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 are:
- 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 the 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 Injury Lawyers, 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 healing and recovering from your injury. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
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