Chalmette Seaman Injury Lawyer

Accidents are unexpected, and when they happen at sea, seamen and other maritime workers can feel lost and alone. The injuries sustained in an off-shore accident can make it impossible to work, cause a temporary disability, or even lead to death. 

If you’re a seaman or maritime worker and have been involved in an off-shore accident at work, a Chalmette seaman injury lawyer can help. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we believe that you deserve to pursue compensation for all your pain and suffering, and can help you determine the right legal path for your injury claim.

The Jones Act

All employers have the responsibility to make workplaces safe. But not all employers adhere to these guidelines. The Jones Act is a federal law that makes it possible for injured seamen to sue their employers for workplace-related injuries when negligence has played a part in the accident.

To qualify as a Jones Act seaman, you must work on a navigable vessel, contribute to its overall purpose, and be on board for at least 30 percent of your working time. 

Recoverable damages under the Jones Act

• Costs of Medical Treatment: After an injury, you should seek medical attention. The Jones Act makes it possible for the victim to recover the costs of prescription painkillers, antibiotics, physical therapy, or surgery after the accident. These costs can be draining for any wage worker and compensation can eliminate the financial burden.
• Lost Wages: Accidents and resulting injuries can affect workers’ ability to meet their workplace obligations. When an injury forces you to stay at home or gets you hospitalized, you can seek compensation for that income. The Jones Act makes it possible for you to receive a portion of your lost wages or the loss of future earnings from a disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refer to an accident’s physical and emotional injuries. A Chalmette seaman injury lawyer can help you quantify this damage. When you prove you experienced pain and suffering from an accident, you can pursue compensation to make your life easier.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that benefits injured maritime workers who wouldn’t qualify as a Jones Act seaman. The law extends to those working on or near navigable waterways, including dock workers, shipbuilders, ship repairers, harbor workers, and those who load and unload vessels.

Under the LHWCA, you can pursue damages after a work accident, including:

• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – Affects the abilities of the worker to fulfill some of the demands of their job description competently. The effects are temporary.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Affects the worker’s capabilities to do their work thoroughly.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Permanent functional loss of the use of the body. The worker might function at their workplace but not at full capacity because of the disability.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – Effects of this disability are total and permanent, meaning that the worker cannot work any longer due to the injuries. Since the individual might never work again, this disability brings the most benefits.

A Chalmette seaman injury lawyer from our firm can help you determine your options and whether you might qualify under the LHWCA.

Statutes of Limitations

The statute of limitations (deadlines) for these federal laws are taken very seriously. When pursuing compensation for injuries suffered at sea, it’s important to file as soon as possible. Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years to file your lawsuit from the date of the accident and you can file at any time before it lapses. However, you only have seven days to notify your employer of the accident. 

Under the LHWCA, you must notify your employer of the accident within 30 days, and you have up to two years to file your injury claim. Missing any of these deadlines could mean giving up your right to seek compensation. A Chalmette seaman injury attorney can assist you in filing your claim before the time limit expires.

How Can a Chalmette Seaman Injury Lawyer Help?

Any injury can be painful and taking time off of work can be financially draining. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand that every dollar matters. Once we take your case, our attorneys can do a lot on your behalf, including:

• Seeking Evidence to Support Your Side of the Story – Your lawyer can collect data from your medical records, eyewitness accounts, photos of the scene, and any video surveillance footage available, and investigate to determine the responsible party.
• Represent Your Interests in Negotiations and Court – Dealing with opposing counsel can be intimidating. Your lawyer can advocate for your legal rights and benefits during negotiations with the insurance company and your employer’s attorneys.
• Provide Advice and Assistance – Your lawyer can provide solid legal counsel throughout your injury claim, advising you on the best choices to make, and keeping you updated on changes or developments in your case. 

Can I Afford an Attorney in Chalmette?

If you hire a Chalmette seaman injury lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, you won’t have to worry about any upfront costs. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Even then, our fees come out of a percentage of your total settlement package, so nothing is out of pocket for you. If we lose, you don’t owe us anything.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today

Accidents can make it challenging for us to meet our duties to employers and responsibilities to our families. So, when off-shore accidents happen, we owe it to ourselves to seek compensation to maintain our quality of life. 

If you are a seaman and have been in a work-related accident, a Chalmette seaman injury lawyer from our firm can help. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.