• About
    • Our Attorneys
    • Verdicts and Settlements
    • Community
      • Sponsorship Request
      • Partnerships
      • Project Backpack
    • Testimonials
    • Scholarships
      • Cancer Scholarship
    • Careers
    • Our Core Values
  • Fort Polk Practice Areas
    • Bicycle Accidents
    • Dog Bite
    • Maritime Injury
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Pedestrian Accidents
    • Premises Liability
    • Product Liability
    • Truck Accidents
    • Workers' Compensation
    • Wrongful Death
  • Areas we Serve
    • Lafayette
    • Alexandria
    • New Iberia
    • Marksville
    • New Orleans
    • Monroe
    • Arnaudville
    • Baton Rouge
    • Breaux Bridge
    • Broussard
    • Cankton
    • Carencro
    • Cecilia
    • Duson
    • Cade Coteau
    • Grand Coteau
    • Lake Charles
    • Opelousas
    • View All Areas We Serve
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Videos
    • For Referring Attorneys
  • Hurricanes
  • Contact Us
Available 24/7 • 365 Days (337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
(337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
No Win - No Fee AVAILABLE 24/7

Fort Polk Seaman Injury Lawyer

Put 350 Years of Experience in Your Corner GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
Your Voice is Our Voice
Attorney David Laborde | Attorney Digger Earles
  1. Home
  2. Fort Polk Personal Injury Lawyer
  3. Fort Polk Maritime Injury Lawyer
  4. Seaman Injury
On This Page
  1. Common Seaman Injuries
  2. Typical Causes of Seaman Accidents
  3. The Jones Act: Protecting Seaman
  4. How Can a Fort Polk Seaman Injury Lawyer Help Me?
  5. What Damages Can My Lawyer and I Claim?
  6. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Contact Us Today

Get The Help
You Need

I NEED HELP NOW

Your personal injury lawyer can help you calculate your recoverable damages, which may include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Income Loss
  • Property Damage
  • Pain & Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Lasting Disfigurement
Fort Polk Seaman Injury Lawyer

Working as a seaman is an especially hazardous occupation. Conditions are often far less than ideal and people are often working under pressure to get the job done as quickly as possible. Off-shore accidents are all too common and it can take longer for emergency medical help to arrive due to the remote nature of working out on the water.

If you are a seaman or maritime worker and have been injured in an accident at work, a Fort Polk Seaman Injury Lawyer can help. Our attorneys can help you pursue compensation through an injury claim or lawsuit so you can focus on rest and recovery.

Common Seaman Injuries

These are some of the most common injuries that affect seamen in Louisiana:

  • Falling into the water. When someone falls overboard, it can be difficult to put together a quick rescue, exposing the seaman to the risk of hypothermia (along with any impact injury) and even drowning.
  • Slips and falls. On a cluttered or slippery ship or dock, slip and fall accidents are very common and can result in broken bones or head injuries.
  • Repetitive strain injuries. Doing the same task for hours at a time can lead to pulled muscles, strains, and persistent pain.
  • Heat or chemical burns. In an engine room or when dealing with chemically hazardous cargo, burns can be common.
  • Working in Enclosed Spaces. Fumes and other toxic materials can cause choking or lung damage in closed spaces.
CTA CTA

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.

Client
Call Us Today We Are Here For You
(337) 777-7777

Typical Causes of Seaman Accidents

Off-shore accidents happen most when people cut corners. In high-pressure jobs like those in the maritime industry, you’re subject to tight schedules and quotas. We will look at four of the main causes, but you can find cutting corners at the heart of each one. 

Poor Training

All too frequently, workers in this industry haven’t received adequate training. Working conditions in the maritime world are often hazardous because of poor weather and other conditions, leaving under-trained employees at a disadvantage. 

Inadequate Crew

Seamen have to perform quickly. Sometimes there are just not enough hands available to ensure everyone’s safety. 

Using the Wrong Equipment

Because of pressure, a worker might use anything available to them to get the job done. This can lead to many different types of accidents.

Negligence of Coworkers

No matter how safe you are determined to be, you can’t guarantee that the people around you are paying attention. Many accidents happen onboard a ship because someone else wasn’t paying attention or acting responsibly. 

If one of these negligence factors played a part in your accident, you may have a good case for compensation under the Jones Act.

CTA CTA

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 | Client
Contact Us Today We want to be there for you

The Jones Act: Protecting Seaman

The Jones Act, a wide-ranging piece of federal legislation, was passed in 1920. The Jones Act gives seamen the right to bring a personal injury suit against their employer if the seaman was working at the time of the accident and negligence played a part.

Under the terms of the Act, a seaman is anyone working on a vessel that uses navigable waters like the ocean, rivers, or lakes. Basically, the Jones Act covers anyone who works on a ship at least part-time or who spends at least 30 percent of their working time onboard. You might be a sailor, a crane operator, or an onboard engineer. If you work on a vessel in navigable waters, there’s a chance you could be covered by the Jones Act. A Fort Polk seaman injury lawyer can help determine if you qualify.

Statute of Limitations

Louisiana imposes a time limit on bringing an accident claim. Thanks to the Jones Act, there is a statute of limitations of three years from the date of your accident to present your lawsuit. However you must report the injury to your employer within seven days of the accident. If you’re filing under the LHWCA, there is a two-year time limit. Under some circumstances, there are exceptions to this limit, but you shouldn’t rely on an exception. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you present your case within the time limit.

CTA CTA

The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.

Client
Call Us - (337) 777-7777 We are here when you need us the most

How Can a Fort Polk Seaman Injury Lawyer Help Me?

After assessing whether you’re eligible as a seaman, it’s time to build your case. Here are some of the ways we can help:

  • Visit and document the accident scene
  • Help determine and prove your eligibility 
  • Collect pictures, videos, and other evidence
  • Interview witnesses
  • Review medical reports
  • File paperwork and track deadlines
  • Negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel 
  • Represent you in court
  • Estimate your compensation and damages 
  • Keep you updated on important developments in your case
CTA CTA

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.

Client
Contact Us Today We will work to get you the best outcome for your case

What Damages Can My Lawyer and I Claim?

Your accident was a traumatic event and you shouldn’t have to suffer financially, as well as physically, as a result. After your accident you and your lawyer can claim:

  • Present and future medical expenses. Keeping a record of all your expenses in this area will help prove the amount you’ll need.
  • Lost earnings. This covers compensation for the time that you are off work and any loss of future earning potential due to the effects of your accident.
  • Pain and suffering. Your injury could cause significant pain for an extended period of time.
  • Mental anguish. You might suffer from post-traumatic stress. While it’s hard to put a figure on this, your lawyer can calculate an appropriate amount.

After an accident, an insurance company might offer you a quick settlement. Even though it’s tempting, this amount could be a lot less than you’re really entitled to. Your seaman injury lawyer can give you a good idea of what the difference might be.

Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today

Seamen who’ve been hurt at work deserve help and representation. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we proudly serve the seamen and maritime workers of the Fort Polk area. Reach out to request a free case review. It’s an opportunity for us to go over the circumstances of your accident, answer your questions, and see if you have a case for compensation. 

Maritime Injury Blog Posts:
What You Need To Know About The Philips CPAP Machine Recall

What You Need To Know About The Philips CPAP Machine Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently alerted users of CPAP machines of a voluntary recall by the machine’s manufacturer. This recall includes specific CPAP machine models and may...

Laborde Earles Wins Multi-Million Dollar Verdict for Medical Van Crash Victim

Laborde Earles Wins Multi-Million Dollar Verdict for Medical Van Crash Victim

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers helped our client, a victim of multiple related personal injuries, get a $3.8 million award. After interest and costs, the amount will be close to $4.8 million to help...

Laborde Earles to Represent the Hall Family’s Fatal Crash Lawsuit Against Kyren Lacy

Following the tragic Herman Hall crash in December on LA 20, attorney Digger Earles of Laborde Earles will represent the Hall family as they pursue compensation for the wrongful death of Herman Hall,...

Why We Are

The Best Choice For You

Over 1,000+ 5-Star Google Reviews Across Our Locations
Over $1 Billion Recovered For Our Clients
An Award-Winning Team in Your Corner
You Get the Full Team on Your Case, Including David & Digger
Communication with You is a Top Priority
We Give Back to Our Communities

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

Available 24 hours a day • 7 days a week
GET YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION
Maritime Injury FAQ:
What is General Maritime Law? What is General Maritime Law?

General maritime law is a type of federal common law that governs most accidents that happen at sea. It covers more injury victims than the Jones Act, which is limited to offshore and seamen who

Most Common Offshore Injuries & How to Prove Liability Most Common Offshore Injuries & How to Prove Liability

Many people with the most common maritime injuries suffer severe health problems for months or even years. These injuries include the following: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Broken bones

What Is a Maritime Injury? What Is a Maritime Injury?

A maritime injury occurs when a worker on a ship is injured while the vessel is in U.S. navigable water. Maritime workers do not qualify for traditional workers' compensation coverage, but they do

Contact Us Form
CONTACT US TODAY NO WIN, NO FEE GUARANTEE
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Untitled
Untitled

Fort Polk Maritime Injury Practice Areas
  • Off-Shore Accidents
Additional Locations
  • Coteau Holmes Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Meaux Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Eunice Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Andrew Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Church Point Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Ledoux Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Opelousas Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Carencro Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Erath Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Breaux Bridge Seaman Injury Lawyer

 

Frequently Asked Questions
How to Prepare for an Insurance Adjuster After a Hurricane How to Prepare for an Insurance Adjuster After a Hurricane
How Long Does a Truck Accident Claim Take to Settle? How Long Does a Truck Accident Claim Take to Settle?
Can You Get PTSD from a Car Accident? Can You Get PTSD from a Car Accident?
Find Yourself a Passionate Lawyer Now!
  • Jefferson Parish Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Jefferson Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Monroe Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Duson Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Harvey Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Pineville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Oakdale Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Morse Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Gray Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Barre Personal Injury Lawyer
How can we help you

How We Can Help You

Let our injury attorneys help you maximize the compensation you deserve to turn your life back around.


Contact us today if you want to tell us about your accident. We have someone available to discuss your situation at all times of the day.

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

FREE Case Evaluation

No Win - No Fee
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Email Opt In
SMS Opt in

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Lafayette
1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd,
Lafayette, LA 70508

Phone : (337) 777-7777

Alexandria
100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

Phone : (318) 777-7777

Marksville
306 North Washington Street, Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

Phone : (318) 310-8922

New Iberia
230 W. Main Street,
New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone : (337)-547-2777

Lake Charles
530 E College St,
Lake Charles, LA 70605

Phone : (337) 612-6909

New Orleans
821 Baronne St, Suite D,
New Orleans, LA 70113

Phone : (504) 777-7777

Baton Rouge
660 St Ferdinand St,
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone : (225) 777-7777

Practice Areas

  • Bicycle Accident
  • Car Accident
  • Dangerous Drugs
  • Dog Bite
  • Maritime Injury
  • Mass Torts
  • Motorcycle Accident
  • Pedestrian Accident
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Toxic Torts
  • Truck Accident
  • Slip and Fall
  • Wrongful Death

About Links

  • Our Attorneys
  • Verdicts and Settlements
  • Community
  • Testimonials
  • Scholarships

Leave a Review

  • LAFAYETTE
  • ALEXANDRIA
  • MARKSVILLE
  • NEW ORLEANS
  • NEW IBERIA
  • LAKE CHARLES
  • BATON ROUGE

Copyright © Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers 2025.
All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer / Privacy Policy / Sitemap

Hennessey-Digital-Badge