The off-shore maritime industry has many occupational hazards that can come to a head in off-shore accidents These accidents can range from minor to devastating, just like the injuries they result in.
If you’re a maritime worker and have been injured in an off-shore accident at work, a Cade off-shore accident lawyer can help you seek compensation. A lawyer can navigate you safely through the process of your injury claim, and offer legal counsel and guidance.
Causes of Off-Shore Injuries
Although off-shore accidents are often preventable, there are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of an off-shore accident. The first is lack of training. Vessels and oil rig companies can sometimes take shortcuts and fail to properly train new employees.
Some vessels or oil rig companies may also fail to properly maintain their equipment or take unnecessarily long periods of time before making upgrades. The presence of hazardous materials on oil rigs is another leading factor behind offshore injuries. It is the responsibility of the company to ensure that workers have enough protection from the existing hazards onboard. If you sustain injuries in an off-shore accident, talk to a lawyer about the options available for recovering damages.
Filing a claim against your employer is possible through the Jones Act. A Cade off-shore accident lawyer could review your case and determine what or who caused the accident. This can be instrumental in establishing that your employer failed to provide a safe working environment for you.
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.
ClientMaking a Claim Under the Jones Act
The Jones Act is a federal law established in 1920 with the aim of helping maritime and offshore workers. It stipulates that a worker, qualifying for the definition of “seaman,” can sue their employer for compensation.
The Jones Act also allows you to bring a claim for compensatory damages against your co-workers. To win a claim under the Jones Act, you must establish that your employer or co-worker was negligent. The main elements of negligence are:
- Duty of care
- Breach of the duty of care
- Property damage or bodily injury
- Proximate cause
Navigating the requirements of the Jones Act is a complex process. Getting in touch with a Cade off-shore accident lawyer immediately after your accident could allow for ample time to discuss and evaluate your case.
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 Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) applies to maritime workers who don’t meet the requirements of a seaman set by the Jones Act. For instance, the law covers workers stationed on or near navigable waters, whether or not they ever go out to sea personally.
The LHWCA covers workers moving to and from offshore facilities, those who load and unload vessels on a fixed platform, and those who build, repair, or break down ships. An off-shore injury lawyer serving the Cade area can help determine exactly which legal route is right for you.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat Damages Can I Pursue After an Off-Shore Accident?
The aftermath of an off-shore accident can lead to a significant financial and physical loss. Your main task after the accident should be to focus on healing and getting back on your feet. Having a Cade off-shore accident lawyer handling the stress of your legal claim could give you the peace of mind you need to focus on getting better. Some of the recoverable damages a lawyer could help you pursue after an offshore accident are:
- Cost of treatment, including hospital treatment, x-rays, special medical devices, or prescription medication
- Pain and suffering
- Wages you lose while in recovery or would likely lose in the future
- Future costs for rehabilitation or therapy
Of course, the damages you can pursue vary based on the particular details of your injury and your offshore accident. If you have lost a loved one in an offshore accident, you could be entitled to unique damages including lost wages, loss of companionship, final medical bills, and even funeral expenses. These survivor’s benefits could be paid to the spouse, children, or even parents of the deceased maritime worker, A Cade off-shore accident lawyer can gently guide you through the legal side of this difficult time.
A lawyer can do a lot to help if you or a family member has been in an offshore accident. An attorney serving the cade area could do everything in their power to fight for your compensation.
Statutes of Limitations
Pursuing a maritime injury claim is a time-sensitive process, especially for off-shore workers. Whichever federal law you use to pursue compensation, there are strict deadlines to file that are taken very seriously. If you miss any of these deadlines, it could mean giving up your right to pursue compensation at all.
The statute of limitation for seeking damages under the Jones Act is three years. This means you have to file your personal injury lawsuit within three years of the date of your accident and the injury must be reported to your employer within just seven days. If you are filing under the LHWCA, you have exactly one year from the date of your injury and you must report the incident to your employer within 30 days.
A Cade off-shore accident lawyer could ensure you do not miss any deadlines under state and federal laws to make 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.
ClientContact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Here at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency-fee policy. This means that you do not have to pay anything upfront. If we win, your Cade off-shore accident lawyer will simply take his or her legal fees out of a percentage of your total compensation package. If we lose, you don’t owe us anything. Let our attorneys use their resources to fight for you and your family. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
