While the maritime industry is booming in Louisiana, it can be a dangerous field to work in. Off-shore accidents happen frequently, and they can leave victims with devastating injuries. On top of the enormous pain and suffering these brave workers endure, they also have to deal with unexpected medical bills that threaten their financial well-being.
If you’re an off-shore worker and have been hurt on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A Delcambre off-shore accident lawyer can help to navigate the entire legal process of filing an injury claim or lawsuit.
How do Off-shore Accidents in Delcambre Happen?
The off-shore industry involves unpredictable circumstances and heavy machinery that create a high-risk working environment. Regardless of how many safety precautions off-shore employees take, accidents can still happen and can result in devastating injuries. Here’s how many off-shore accidents happen:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are common on off-shore cranes and platforms, oil rigs, onboard vessels, and other off-shore points. Slipping on the deck of a ship can easily send you overboard and worsen an already dangerous situation.
Explosions and Fire
Natural gas and oil are highly flammable. A vessel collision can easily rupture the tanks, leading to an explosion and uncontrollable fire. Such an incident could leave off-shore workers suffering from burns and other fatal injuries.
Falling Objects
Navigable waters can be very unpredictable. Whenever a vessel tilts and changes directions constantly, it increases the chances of the objects onboard becoming loose and falling on an unsuspecting employee. Depending on the size and weight of the object, the employee may sustain severe head injuries. This explains why hard hats are mandatory for many off-shore employees.
Toxic Exposure
Some vessels transport chemicals and other harmful substances that require extensive care and protection from exposure. However, if the necessary safety measures are not adhered to, off-shore employees may come in contact with these chemicals.
Sometimes the effects of the exposure don’t appear immediately and may take months or even years to surface. Experts recommend that all employers offer adequate training to employees on handling such toxic substances.
Defective Equipment
Off-shore employees’ safety can rely largely on the condition of the equipment they use. Off-shore accidents can happen if employees use malfunctioning or defective equipment for high-risk tasks. All employers are supposed to ensure that the equipment is in good condition before letting employees use it.
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Common Injuries in Off-shore Accidents
Off-shore accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Respiratory illnesses
- Hypothermia or frostbite
- Lung damage from inhaling toxic chemicals
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The Jones Act
The Jones Act provides injured seamen with the chance to sue those responsible for compensation. Under the Jones Act, being considered a seaman means you must contribute to the overall mission of the ship and have spent at least 30 percent of your working time onboard a vessel in navigable waters.
When filing for a claim under the Jones Act, you must provide proof of your injuries and other damages and prove that your injuries resulted from the negligence of your employer or a fellow crewmember. Under the Jones Act, you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident, and you must report your injury to your employer within just seven days.
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Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) covers maritime workers who aren’t considered seamen and wouldn’t be covered under the Jones Act. This could include harbor workers, dockworkers, shipping terminal employees, and more. Under the LHWCA, you must file your injury claim within one year of your accident and your injury must be reported to your employer within thirty days.
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How a Delcambre Off-Shore Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Delcambre off-shore accident lawyer could guide you through the entire legal process and offer legal counsel and advice regarding your claim. They can do everything possible to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you’re not accountable for the negligence of others. A Delcambre off-shore accident lawyer could do the following to help your case:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the accident’s cause
- Gather evidence to prove liability
- Advise you on what to do and not to do to avoid making costly mistakes
- Handle all communications with your employer’s attorneys and the insurance company on your behalf
- Interview all witnesses present at the scene and record their statements
- Identify all damages you’ve incurred and come up with a settlement amount
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company
- Take your case to a court trial if a settlement isn’t reached
Possible Compensation in an Off-shore Accident Claim
If you’ve recently been injured in an off-shore work accident, a lawyer could help you pursue compensation for the following damages:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Temporary and permanent disability
If you’ve lost a loved one in an off-shore accident, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for:
- Their final medical expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
A Delcambre off-shore accident lawyer can tell you more and guide you through the legal process during this difficult time.
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve recently been injured in an off-shore accident in Delcambre, or the surrounding area, an attorney from our firm can help you seek compensation. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can do the hard work of your case so you can focus on resting and recovering from your injuries. Call us today for a free consultation and more information.
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