The maritime industry has a reputation for adventure. While it may seem thrilling, it’s also actually quite dangerous. When working as a seaman, you are constantly at risk of getting injured on the job. Maritime injuries can be severe or even fatal, and the aftermath of off-shore accidents can be life-changing.
If you get hurt while working onboard a vessel, in a shipyard, or in another maritime work environment, an attorney from our firm can help. A Delcambre seaman injury lawyer can work with you to pursue compensation for the ways your injuries have affected your life.
Common Causes of Seaman Injuries
Off-shore injuries can happen when someone slips on grease on an oil rig platform or gets hit by a falling object when gear isn’t stowed properly. Injuries can also occur if a person falls overboard into the water, gets struck by equipment, is crushed by machinery, or is otherwise harmed during the course of maritime work. Some of the most common types of injuries we see when working with seamen include:
- Loss of hearing that can occur as a result of seamen having to work around noisy machinery without proper hearing protection
- Head injuries (including concussions and traumatic brain injury) that can happen if a seaman slips in an oil spill
- Shoulder injuries that can result from carrying heavy loads or improper handling of cargo.
- Lung damage that can occur if a seaman inhales toxic ship chemicals.
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 Should I do After a Seaman Injury?
There are some things you can do immediately after an off-shore accident to protect your health and your injury claim:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible. This is the most important thing you can do for your health after an accident. Get medical care even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injury or concussion, may not be visible at first to anyone but a doctor.
- Notify your employer of the accident as soon as possible. This is very important. Remember that under the Jones Act, this must be done within seven days of the accident or you lose your right to seek compensation. Your lawyer can be present if you wish. This is a crucial document that explains what happened and who was at fault. Your lawyer can help you fill it out properly so you don’t inadvertently harm your case.
- Cooperate with investigators and the Coast Guard. They will be looking into the cause of the accident, and your cooperation will help them complete their investigation quickly and accurately. However, do not talk about your injury claim without your lawyer present. Saying the wrong thing could hurt your case.
- Keep copies of all medical records and other documentation related to the accident. This includes medical bills, reports from the hospital, and your accident report. This information will be important to your lawyer as official documents can be used as evidence.
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 Jones Act
Passed in 1920 to protect American sailors, the Jones Act gives injured seamen the right to sue their employers for negligence that resulted in their injury. To qualify for a lawsuit under the Jones Act, you have to meet several requirements, including:
- You must be a citizen of the United States
- You must have worked on a navigable vessel (oil rigs and platforms count if they have some kind of navigation)
- You must have been on the vessel for 30 percent of your working hours
- You must file your lawsuit within three years of the accident.
- You must notify your employer of the injury within seven days
- You must have been injured during employment
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue?
It’s no secret that medical care is expensive these days. However, if the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay the bill. The goal of a Jones Act lawsuit is financial compensation for your injuries and the ways the injuries have affected your life. This may include damages like the following:
- Hospital bills
- Medical tests, lab work, and x-rays
- Physical therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Lost potential for income after a long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Mental health therapy
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.
ClientHow a Delcambre Seaman Injury Lawyer Can Help
A seaman injury lawyer can help you determine whether you are eligible for compensation and which federal laws apply to you. Your lawyer can also:
- Advise you about the next steps if you decide to pursue a claim
- Gather evidence and speak to eyewitnesses
- Investigate your case to determine liability and the at-fault party
- Handle negotiations with the insurance company and your employer’s lawyers
- Work with your doctors and specialists to find out how much treatment will cost
- Ensure that all documents are filed correctly and on time
- Calculate your settlement based on all damages you’re entitled to pursue
- Represent you in court if a settlement can’t be reached
Can I Afford a Delcambre Lawyer?
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand that off-shore injuries can quickly throw your family into financial crisis. With mounting medical bills and time off work without income, the stress can be enormous.
That’s why we work on a contingency-fee-basis. In other words, we don’t charge any upfront costs or fees. If we win, your lawyers will simply take their legal fees out of a percentage of your total settlement package, so you pay nothing out of pocket. And if we don’t get you compensation, you don’t owe us anything.
Contact a Delcambre Seaman Injury Lawyers Today!
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we proudly serve the seamen and maritime workers of the Delcambre area. If you or a loved one was hurt in an off-shore accident, our attorneys can help you pursue compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
