Being injured in any accident can be a daunting experience, but off-shore accidents can be especially severe and traumatic. Maritime workers bravely face this risk every day, many of whom live right here in Grand Coteau. Off-shore accidents can be life-changing, especially if you come away with a serious injury.
If you or someone your love has been hurt in an off-shore accident, the attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help. The lawyers from our firm are proud to serve the Grand Coteau area and can help you pursue compensation through an injury claim or lawsuit.
Reasons Why Off-shore Accidents Happen
Getting hurt at work can be a serious problem, especially when working in an environment like a ship or rig. Here are some of the most common causes of off-shore accidents:
- Being trapped with equipment. Oil and gas drilling operations use massive equipment that can crush even the strongest person like a fly. Workers trapped beneath heavy equipment often suffer severe injuries, including paralysis and amputated limbs. Some workers die from their injuries right on the scene.
- Electrocution.Oil rigs utilize a complex network of high voltage electrical systems to power life support systems, lights, and other equipment. When these systems fail or electrical currents strike someone, they can suffer severe burns and debilitating injuries that may require amputation or lead to death.
- Exposure to toxic materials or substances. Off-shore oil rigs use various chemicals to aid in the drilling process and maintain equipment used to extract oil from the ocean floor. These chemicals can threaten workers’ health and safety if they’re not regulated and used properly. Workers could develop health problems over time, such as respiratory illnesses and cancer.
- Falling equipment.Workers and bystanders alike can be injured if they get hit by falling equipment. This is why it’s important to keep areas clear of clutter and ensure all equipment is in good repair, especially when stored in an area where people are working.
- Falling from a height.All holes and pits must be covered when not in use. This can help prevent workers from falling into them and suffering severe injuries. Every worker should also wear a harness to prevent falls when working at these heights.
- Slippery surfaces that promote slip and fall accidents. Oil, grease, and other substances can cause slippery surfaces if they aren’t cleaned up properly after spills. It’s best to clean these surfaces often to avoid slip and fall accidents.
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What Kind of Damages Can I Pursue?
Your Grand Coteau off-shore accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for several different types of damages, depending on your situation. Possible recoverable damages may include:
- Lost past and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Permanent physical disability
- Disfigurement or scarring
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The Jones Act
Under the Jones Act, if your employer was negligent or did not uphold applicable safety standards, they can be held responsible. There are several things you should know about the Jones Act if you’re considering using it to pursue compensation.
You must be considered an official seaman to qualify for a lawsuit under the Jones Act. This means you must work on a navigating vessel (an oil rig counts here as long as it has some form of navigation and isn’t stationary). Your work must contribute to the general mission of the vessel, and you must also spend at least 30 percent of your time on the ship or rig.
To file a lawsuit under the Jones Act, there also must have been some form of provable negligence involved in your accident. An off-shore accident lawyer serving the Grand Coteau area can help you with this.
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The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Under the Jones Act, the law benefits injured maritime workers who qualify as seamen. If you’re a maritime worker who isn’t considered a seaman, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) might help.
The LHWCA provides medical benefits, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation services to those who get hurt working on docks, piers, and wharves, and to certain land-based maritime workers. The LHWCA also covers shipbuilders, ship repairers, and harbor construction workers. If you work in the maritime industry but don’t fulfill the requirements of being a seaman, the LHWCA could apply to you.
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When to File Your Claim
The statute of limitations is a set amount of time that you have to file a lawsuit or claim for your injuries. These deadlines are taken very seriously and if you miss any of them you could be giving up your right to pursue any compensation at all.
Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit and your employer must be informed of the accident within just seven days. Under the LHWCA, you have one year to file your injury claim and you must report the accident to your employer within thirty days.
How a Grand Coteau Off-Shore Accident Lawyer Can Help
After being involved in an accident, an off-shore lawyer could ensure that you file your claim within the proper deadlines and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Your lawyer could:
- Protect your rights against the liable parties
- Collect solid evidence and witness statements to back up your claim
- Guide you on the next course of action
- Identify all responsible parties
- Negotiate for a settlement based on the incurred damages
- Represent you in court if the case proceeds to trial
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed after a tragic accident, especially an off-shore accident. It can be hard to know who to turn to for help. The attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can advise you during this difficult time and help protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
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