Injuries happen at sea all too often. The causes of maritime injuries can range from slippery decks to equipment failure to massive storms. However, one of the most significant contributors to injuries at sea is simple human error. Crew members can often be required to work long hours with little sleep, creating fatigue and inevitable errors that put themselves and others at risk.
If the damage resulted from an employer or ship owner’s negligent act, the case might fall under maritime law. If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, a Cade maritime injury lawyer can help. The first thing you should do though after an accident is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any delay in receiving medical care could cause more damage. It is also important to report the injury to your employer immediately.
Types of Maritime Injuries
In dangerous work environments, accidents can be frequent. Maritime workers may sustain serious injuries, including:
- Head or brain injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
- Lacerations
Maritime workers who sustain injuries can seek compensation for medical bills and other losses related to their injuries via the Jones Act or Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
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.
ClientCauses of Maritime Accidents & Injuries
Suing an employer under the Jones Act requires proving the employer was negligent and caused or contributed to the accident. Some of the causes or factors that contribute to maritime accidents may include:
- Poor safety standards, including lack of safety equipment
- Malfunctioning safety equipment
- Poor or absent training
- Careless or reckless behavior of coworkers
- Improper handling of toxic materials
- Defective equipment causing fire or electrical hazards
- Unseaworthiness of the vessel
Our attorneys can help you retrieve evidence to build an injury case against a negligent employer who caused or contributed to the accident. We may review records or documents from the vessel, examine photographs or other evidence of the hazard or accident scene, speak with eyewitnesses, and more.
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 | ClientThe Jones Act
The Jones Act is a statute that governs certain maritime personal injury cases. The Jones Act allows injured seamen to seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. However certain requirements must be met before you file. The Jones Act applies only to professional seamen. You must be a ship’s crewmember working onboard a navigable vessel and contributing to the vessel’s mission. You must also spend at least 30% of your time on the ship. To file under the Jones Act, you must prove negligence played a part in your accident. Taking photos at the scene or noting down details in a journal can help.
If you are a seaman who has sustained a maritime workplace injury, you can file a claim under the Jones Act. A Cade maritime injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientThe Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Marine accidents don’t just happen out at sea. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) was created to protect any maritime worker not considered a seaman and not qualified under the Jones Act. This could include harbor workers, dock workers, oil rig workers, and even shipping terminal employees. Under the LHWCA, maritime workers have a maximum of two years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim, and the injury must be reported to the worker’s employer within 30 days.
Though these programs may seem complicated, they provide a much-needed safety net for injured maritime workers who qualify. A lawyer from our firm can clear up anything you find confusing and guide you through your claim.
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.
ClientHow Can a Lawyer Help?
The legal system can be challenging to navigate, and the maritime worker’s rights can be very complicated. The best advice a Cade Maritime injury lawyer can give is to make sure that you are knowledgeable about your rights before you file a claim under the LHWCA. A lawyer can also give you legal advice throughout your case and answer any questions that you have about your claim, providing legal support throughout the entire process.
A maritime injury lawyer could also help with evidence in your case that may prove negligence. In addition, an attorney can handle the paperwork so that you can rest and focus on recovering from your injuries.
Why Work With Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Our attorneys have over 350 years of combined experience representing injured people. We have the manpower needed to take on and beat the big corporations. When you work with our maritime injury lawyers, you receive client-focused service to help you fight for compensation.
- We have recovered over $200 million in settlements for our clients, including $5.5 million for an injured maritime worker.
- We have offices throughout Louisiana, including in Lafayette, which is a short drive from Cade.
- You will get a free consultation about your case.
- You do not pay attorney fees unless you recover compensation in a settlement or judgment.
Call a Cade Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
If you have suffered a maritime personal injury, you should first seek medical attention. Afterward, contact a Cade maritime injury lawyer to help you know if you are eligible for compensation. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we offer legal advice to our clients, and we act as advocates of your case throughout the process. Contact us today at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
