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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.

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Compensation 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.

Common 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.

What 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.

Types 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.

Off Shore Accident

Seaman Injury

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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 for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

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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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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, Amber, Toni, Debbie, Alana & Erica are absolutely amazing. You couldn't have ask for better. And to Rachael, she was so sweet the other day when I needed some information about when my advance was going to be ready. Thank you Laborde Earle's Law Firm for always being the Best.

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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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Alexandria

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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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Baton Rouge

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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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.

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