Maritime accidents are a significant cause of injuries and fatalities in Louisiana. The maritime industry is especially hazardous, and injuries can be common for those who work in it. This can result in unexpected medical expenses and lost pay if you suffer physical harm in an accident.
A Church Point Maritime injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for injuries, especially if another party is liable. Continue reading for more details about such accidents and how an attorney can help.
Common Types of Maritime Accidents
Maritime employees face a broad range of issues that risk their safety and lead to injury-causing accidents. A prevalent cause of physical harm in maritime environments is slips and falls. Such accidents often occur due to slippery decks and staircases. Other negligent workplace issues leading to slips and falls could be:
- Unsafe ladders
- Loose floorboards
- Broken stair railings
- Cluttered floors
- Stray electrical wires and cords
Impact collisions are also common and can stem from swinging cranes, carts, and dollies. In an environment of rolling water, unsecured items can be dangerous all on their own. If you do not have proper safety equipment, you may fall simply from the motion of the ship and could suffer significant injuries, especially when carrying heavy objects.
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.
ClientWhat Can You Claim for a Church Point Maritime Injury?
After sustaining maritime injuries at work, you may seek compensation for your medical costs. This may include expenses like:
- Medication
- Emergency care
- Assistive medical devices like crutches
- An in-home nurse
Another damage you may pursue is the cost of rehabilitative care. This expense might apply if you sustained an injury like a leg fracture requiring continuous treatment to restore mobility.
Maritime injuries can cause you to lose your job or miss work for some period. You can seek compensation for the wages and income you lost due to your condition or even missed career opportunities.
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 | ClientParties That May Be Liable for Maritime Injuries
You may hold various parties liable for a maritime accident based on different factors, like how the incident occurred and where it happened. If you sustained injuries on a vessel, you could file a claim against the employer or owner, who must ensure their boat is safe for all employees and travelers. Some accidents where an employer may be liable could result from:
- A lack of safety equipment
- Poor vessel maintenance
- Unqualified, untrained, or overworked staff
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientThe Jones Act and the LHWCA
If you are a sailor or ship’s crewmember who has been injured on the job, you may be able to seek compensation under the Jones Act. The Jones Act allows seamen who spend at least 30% of their time onboard a navigable vessel to seek lost pay, reimbursement for medical expenses, and more. According to the statute of limitations on the Jones Act, seamen have up to three years from the date of the injury to file.
Seafaring vessels aren’t the only places maritime workers get hurt. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) requires employers to protect their staff on docks, shipping yards, and more. While ship crewmembers can file an injury claim under the Jones Act, harbor workers, shipbuilders, and other maritime workers can file under the LHWCA to seek compensation. However, there are important differences. Maritime workers filing under the LHWCA must do so within just one year of the work accident or first appearance of the injury, and must report the injury to their employer within 30 days.
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.
ClientFiling a Claim for Maritime Injuries
When seeking compensation for maritime injuries, you may need to file a claim against the liable party. Your attorney can help identify the party at fault by studying your case. For example, if you sustained injuries after being hit by cargo, someone should have been responsible for properly securing it. Your safety should be ensured when you are simply trying to do your job.
Evidence that can be used when filing a maritime injury claim are:
- Images of the scene
- A formal report of the incident from the police or maritime supervisors
- Video footage
How a Church Point Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Help
Maritime injury cases can be complex due to the nature of such environments and the parties you may hold accountable. Your lawyer can help you avoid the stress of handling various processes as you pursue compensation. Some things a Church Point injury lawyer may assist with are:
- Gathering proof for your case
- Interviewing witnesses
- Getting a police report
- Ensuring you understand your claim options
- Guiding you during the claim process
When claiming reimbursement for a Church Point maritime injury, you need to evaluate how it has affected your life. An injury lawyer can help identify some damages you may have missed and ensure you claim the proper amount. They may also work with your physician to gauge if you will need long-term health care based on the extent of physical harm.
Consult a Church Point Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
A Church Point maritime injury lawyer can help you pursue proper reimbursement for damages related to your condition. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has a team of legal counsel professionals who can study your case to identify liability. A lawyer from our firm can take care of your claim while you focus on recovery. Reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now at (337) 777-7777 for a free case review.
