Workers in the maritime industry cannot get typical workers’ compensation coverage. But what if your injury at sea was severe? Perhaps you have extensive medical bills and aren’t sure what you should do next. But that doesn’t mean you have no legal options.
After a work-related accident at sea, you may be able to recover compensation. A Crowley offshore injury lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you with your case.
Options for Maritime Workers After an Injury at Sea
People who work on the high seas face dangerous working conditions. Maybe you fell and injured your back or spine. Maybe you suffered a severe head injury, or maybe you lost a limb or suffered other severe disfigurement. You have severe costs and damages like any other type of worker.
When most employees are injured on the job, they can seek workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation helps to cover medical costs and other expenses related to workplace injuries.
However, the situation is different for employees who work in the maritime industry. Workers’ compensation typically does not apply to maritime workers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get compensation. An offshore injury lawyer can go over your options, but the Jones Act is one of the primary laws involved.
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What Is the Jones Act?
According to the Legal Information Institute (LII), the Jones Act is special legislation that allows maritime workers to sue their employers if they are injured at sea. Unlike typical workers’ compensation, under the Jones Act, you have to prove that your employer’s negligence contributed to your injuries.
For example, let’s say you spend most of your working hours on a ship. Your employer fails to provide you with proper safety equipment, and you get injured. In this case, you would likely be able to pursue compensation under the Jones Act. An attorney can help you determine if your situation falls under the Jones Act.
After a work injury at sea, make sure to get the medical treatment you need. If possible, document your injuries and take pictures of the accident scene. Make sure to report the accident to your employer.
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How Can an Offshore Injury Lawyer Help You?
An offshore injury lawyer understands the specific laws and regulations that apply to injuries in the maritime industry. They can review the facts of your case with you and go over your legal options. They also give you a rough estimate of what you can get in compensation. They can help you decide if it is in your best interests to file a lawsuit.
You can decide to take legal action against your employer. A personal injury lawyer can help you file any paperwork and help you make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. They can gather evidence for your case. Throughout the process, they can help you communicate with anyone involved and answer any questions you may have.
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How Much Compensation Can You Get After an Injury at Sea?
Your compensation amount will depend on what happened in your specific case. How severe are your injuries? How did your employer’s actions contribute to the accident? The goal is to get you compensation to help cover the costs of any damages. Under the Jones Act, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills: You might have medical bills from emergency medical care, corrective surgeries, and follow-up physical therapy.
- Lost wages: Your compensation should cover the wages you lost while you were unable to work
- Lost earning capacity: You might not be able to keep the same job because of the injuries you sustained.
- Pain and suffering: The experience may have caused emotional and physical pain and suffering.
If your loved one died because of a maritime work accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In this case, your compensation might help cover funeral expenses or compensate you for lost financial support. We want to work with you to get you the compensation you deserve.
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We Have Helped Others With Their Offshore Injury Cases
We have a diverse range of clients we help, including those who have experienced injuries offshore. Collectively, we have helped our clients recover over $600 million in compensation. For example, we helped one injured maritime worker recover $5.5 million.
Here’s what some of our clients have said after working with us:
- “[Courteous] and punctual always polite and professional always returns calls and takes time to answer any and all questions the whole staff including the receptionists are this way!” -Todd
- “Amazing staff! Very friendly and helpful they made us feel comfortable from the minute you walked through the door till the sec you leave! And as far as Digger Earles! well that felt like I was talking to family he answered all our questions before we even asked and the ones he didn’t, he answered those as well! If you know me you know I’m direct and blunt and don’t sugarcoat, this guy exceeded my expectations and made it first class.” –Luke
Can You Afford to Hire an Offshore Injury Lawyer?
With medical bills and a reduced earning capacity, you have every right to be worried about legal costs. You deserve appropriate legal counsel so you can move forward. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we get paid contingency fees.
If we don’t help you recover compensation, we don’t get paid either. We can work through your legal options together to help you determine your next steps. You don’t have to worry about upfront costs.
Get a Free Consultation Today
Our team at Labore Earles Injury Lawyers is ready to help you with your offshore injury case. We are proud to serve our clients in the Crowley area and are here to help you every step of the way.
Call us today at (337) 777-7777 for your free consultation, so we can start answering your questions.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
