Working in the maritime industry can be very dangerous, whether you work on a large seafaring vessel, operate a tugboat, or load cargo at a shipping terminal. These workers face the risk of accidents and injuries every day just by doing their jobs. Off-shore accidents can be devastating, especially for those who get injured in the process.
If you’re a maritime worker who has been hurt in an off-shore accident, an attorney from our firm serving the Duson area can help. Our off-shore accident lawyers can handle every aspect of your injury claim or lawsuit while you rest and recover.
Common Types of Off-shore Injuries
Working off-shore can be dangerous simply due to the nature of working on or near the water. In addition, getting medical help for off-shore injuries can be challenging since these job sites are secluded, whether it’s a seafaring vessel or an oil rig. The following are some of the most common off-shore injuries:
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Hypothermia and frostbite
- Drowning
- Loss of hearing
- Lung damage
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What Should I do After an Off-shore Accident
The actions you take immediately after an off-shore accident can directly impact the outcome of your compensation claim. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Seek Medical Care: It’s essential to seek medical care after your off-shore accident, even if your injuries seem minor. During a medical examination, doctors may detect an issue that wasn’t immediately noticeable. Also, seeking medical attention provides a solid paper trail showing a history of your diagnosis and expenses, which is crucial when filing your claim. Keep copies of all documents.
- Inform Your Employer: Your employer must be informed about the accident and your injuries right away to guide them in putting safety measures to protect other workers. Please don’t assume your coworkers will inform your employer since it’s an essential step in documenting your claim. You can write down the details of the accident and your injuries on paper and present a copy to your employer (keep a copy for your records as well).
- Collect Evidence: After the accident, document everything you can. Collect contact information from witnesses, take photos of your injuries and the accident scene, and write down any meaningful information on equipment and safety problems. If you are unable, your lawyer can help with this as well.
- Keep Your Claim’s Information Confidential: It’s not advisable to discuss the details of your injuries with your coworkers. Any information shared can be used against you in court if you decide to file a lawsuit against your employer.
- Avoid Signing Any Paperwork:Avoid issuing statements or signing anything your employer requests without your lawyer present. You might unknowingly accept a lower compensation offer or sign your rights away unknowingly.
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How a Duson Off-Shore Accident Lawyer Can Help
Your lawyer can analyze all the aspects of your case and advise you on your options. Here are some of the things an off-shore injury lawyer could do for you:
- Build your off-shore injury case:Your lawyer can obtain and study evidence, such as medical reports, accident reports, and witness statements, to show the connection of your injuries to the off-shore accident. Lawyers can also seek the services of experts who can testify in court to increase the case’s credibility.
- Identify recoverable damages:Damages like lost earnings, medical costs, and pain and suffering are significant in an off-shore injury case since the claim’s value is based on these damages.
- Negotiate a settlement: Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement with the liable party. If the out-of-court negotiations fail, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in court.
- Represent you in court: If the liable party does not agree to a suitable settlement amount, your lawyer can represent you in court.
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The Jones Act
If you meet the requirements of being a seaman, you’re entitled to “maintenance and cure” under the Jones Act, a fundamental right to all seamen who have suffered a work-related injury. Maintenance covers basic living expenses, while cure covers medical expenses.
In addition, the Jones Act gives you the right to sue for further damages if negligence was involved in your accident. Under the Jones Act, a seaman is anyone who works on a navigating vessel and spends at least 30 percent of their time on the ship. A Duson off-shore accident lawyer can tell you more about how to qualify and what the Jones Act provides.
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Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Off-shore employees who don’t qualify as seamen may be eligible to receive benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This covers any maritime worker not considered a seaman, including harbor workers, dockworkers, or shipping terminal employees.
Compensation for Off-shore Injuries
After being hurt in an off-shore accident, you might be entitled to various damages, depending on the circumstances that contributed to the accident. A Duson off-shore injury lawyer could help you seek compensation for:
- Pain and Suffering: This could mean mental or physical pain. The physical pain includes disfigurement and scarring, while the mental suffering includes mental distress and anxiety.
- Lost Earnings: Injuries from your off-shore accident can keep you from work during recovery. Therefore, a claim on lost earnings can be essential for you and your family. You can pursue damages for past, present, and future earnings lost due to your injuries.
- Medical Expenses:If your injuries from the off-shore accident were severe, there’s a high chance you have substantial medical bills. You’re entitled to claim present and expected medical costs. Medical expenses can include medication, physical therapy, the cost of surgery, rehabilitation, and more.
- Wrongful Death: An off-shore accident can cause death in some extreme cases. In such a case, the victim’s family has a right to compensation through a wrongful death claim filed against the liable party.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been hurt in an off-shore work accident, our lawyers can help. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can review your case and determine the best legal path for you. Our attorneys serving the Duson area can take on the hard work of your case while you rest and focus on healing from your injuries. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
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