Working in the maritime industry is not only physically demanding but also full of danger to those who work in it. Being a seaman or other maritime worker comes with occupational hazards that can result in serious accidents and life-changing injuries. These are the risks maritime workers face every day.
If you’re a seaman or maritime worker and you’ve been injured in a work-related maritime accident, you could be entitled to financial compensation. A Grand Coteau seaman injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Seaman Injuries
There are many reasons accidents happen out on the sea. Some of the most common ones we see in our work with seamen include:
- Poor working conditions
- Falling overboard
- Slips and falls
- Defective equipment
- Explosions or electrical fires
- Insufficient training and inadequate work procedures
- Lack of safety signage
- Fatigue
- Exposure to harmful toxins
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The Jones Act
The Jones Act allows injured seaman the right to sue a negligent employer for injuries sustained at work. The Jones Act covers those considered seamen, which means your work needs to contribute to the goals of a vessel in navigation. The vessel in question could be a tanker, cargo boat, towboat, jack-up rig, fishing boat, ferry, cruise ship, restaurant boat, tour boat, floating platform, towboat, or freighter.
However, you should note that a maritime worker who spends less than 30 percent of their working hours on a vessel isn’t considered a Jones Act seaman. Also, the ship you were injured on needs to be in motion (or docked and capable of travel) for the case to fall within the Jones Act jurisdiction.
Important Jones Act Deadlines
Every state has different deadlines depending on the nature of the injury and the laws in your state. Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. You must also report the accident to your employer within seven days.
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How Can a Grand Coteau Seaman Injury Lawyer Help?
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we know that maritime accidents can be overwhelming: financially, emotionally, and physically. Your Grand Coteau seaman injury lawyer can handle all the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on resting and getting better. Your lawyer could do a lot of things, including:
- Negotiating with your employer’s lawyers and the insurance company
- Gathering and analyzing evidence such as the vessel’s maintenance records, duty roster, pictures of the accident scene, medical reports, and eyewitness statements
- Keeping you up to date on any changes in your case
- If your case is based on exposure to harmful substances, your lawyer can work with a professional to perform the necessary tests
- Calculating the value of your settlement
- Answering any questions you might have
- Filing your case in court and representing you if necessary
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What Kinds of Damages Can My Lawyer and I Pursue?
Most accidents occur due to someone else’s negligence, so the liable party should compensate you for injuries and damages. Some of the damages that can be pursued in a personal injury claim include:
- Emotional anguish
- Current and expected future medical bills
- Income you missed during your recovery
- The pain and suffering that you have endured
- Lost opportunities that you can’t pursue due to the accident
- Disfigurement
- Reduced ability to enjoy life
- Disability
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What Happens if the Injured Seaman Dies During the Accident?
In the terrible event that a loved one dies in a maritime accident, you may be entitled to survivor’s benefits. These can be paid to the seaman’s spouse, children, or parents. You and your lawyer could pursue damages like loss of companionship, loss of support, loss of consortium, final medical bills, and even funeral expenses.
No amount of money can bring back your loved one, but this compensation could help you face the future with confidence, begin to move forward, and heal. A Grand Coteau seaman injury lawyer can gently guide you through the legal side of this very difficult time.
Negligence in a Jones Act Lawsuit
Many Grand Coteau seaman accident lawsuits involve negligence or unseaworthiness. Unseaworthiness is when the accident was caused by unsafe working conditions, hazardous work procedures, or defective equipment or materials. In this case, the court could hold the vessel owner liable, forcing them to compensate you.
On the other hand, negligence is a bit harder to prove. You will need to prove with evidence that if the at-fault party had not acted in a negligent manner, the accident would not have happened. Your Grand Coteau seaman injury lawyer can help you find the necessary evidence that proves the truth.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Unfortunately, accidents on sea vessels do happen and the aftermath can be devastating for the seamen involved. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’re open 24 hours a day, and our Grand Coteau seaman injury lawyers are ready to take on your case. Call our offices today to schedule a free case evaluation.
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