• About
    • Our Attorneys
    • Verdicts and Settlements
    • Community
      • Sponsorship Request
      • Partnerships
      • Project Backpack
    • Testimonials
    • Scholarships
      • Cancer Scholarship
    • Careers
    • Our Core Values
  • Gretna Practice Areas
    • Bicycle Accidents
    • Car 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

Gretna Off-Shore Accident Lawyer

Put 350 Years of Experience in Your Corner GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
Louisiana Proud
Attorney David Laborde | Attorney Digger Earles
  1. Home
  2. Gretna Personal Injury Lawyer
  3. Gretna Maritime Injury Lawyer
  4. Off-Shore Accident
On This Page
  1. Who Are Considered Seamen?
  2. What Should You Do After an Off-shore Accident?
  3. Advantages of Having Legal Representation After an Off-shore Accident
  4. Can Non-Seaman Maritime Workers Recover Damages After an Offshore Accident?
  5. 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
Gretna Off-Shore Accident Lawyer

Seamen and other maritime workers can sustain serious injuries or illnesses in their occupation. The situation is further compounded by the fact that they are far from medical services that can promptly treat their injuries. A Gretna off-shore accident lawyer from our firm can help you find out how you can hold the liable parties accountable.

Louisiana’s economy is partly dependent on offshore and maritime work. But seamen and non-maritime workers are often at a disadvantage whenever an accident occurs. Our Gretna off-shore accident lawyers can help if you were hurt.

Who Are Considered Seamen?

Understanding your category of work in the offshore or maritime industry helps you know how you can recover damages after an accident. A seaman is anyone who qualifies as a crew member of a maritime vessel on the navigable waters of the United States. A maritime vessel can either be a cargo ship, tugboat, barge, or cruise ship.

Examples of people who may qualify as seamen are:

  • Cooks and fish processors
  • Maintenance staff of maritime vessels
  • Captains of maritime vessels and their crew
  • Deckhands and engineers

A seaman can only recover damages in an offshore accident if they were at work when it occurred. Seamen are only considered eligible to recover damages if their work was contributing to the achievement of the vessel’s objective or mission. They also need to spend 30% of their time on board the ship.

Seamen have to prove negligence when claiming damages under the Jones Act. Seamen can hold their employers or fellow crew members responsible for an offshore accident. Seamen have a statute of limitations of 3 years to claim damages after sustaining injuries.

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

What Should You Do After an Off-shore Accident?

The decisions you make immediately after an offshore accident can affect your ability to recover damages. The first thing you should do is assess the nature of your injuries. Do not assume that you will get better over time or underestimate the extent of the injuries, even if you are not in much physical pain.

Seek medical attention at the nearest hospital if you are near the shore. If you are at sea, make sure you get checked out by a medical professional on board. Inform your employer or immediate supervisor of the accident. This is a key step, and failure to inform your employer within 30 days may forfeit your right to claim damages.

The third step is to gather all information about the accident. Take photos and videos at the scene of the accident. Document every detail in a journal or notebook to ensure you do not forget anything about how the accident occurred. Talk to anyone who witnessed the accident and get their contact information.

Contact a Gretna off-shore accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. A lawyer will help you begin the legal process of claiming damages. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and look after your interests. Having legal counsel also prevents you from doing or saying anything that might negatively affect your claim.

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

Advantages of Having Legal Representation After an Off-shore Accident

It can help to simply have someone on your side. You should not expect that your employer or fellow crew members will go out of their way to help you get compensated. A lawyer from our firm will do exactly that, and much more.

For instance, a lawyer may advise you to not discuss the details of the case with other parties, or sign an agreement with your employer’s insurer. Having a lawyer by your side means having someone who understands maritime law and knows the specific laws that can help you get compensated.

A lawyer will represent you during the litigation process, appear in court on your behalf (if necessary), and help you recover damages through in-court or out-of-court settlements with the liable parties.

Maritime law is more complex than personal injury law. A lawyer understands what you need to make a successful claim whether you are a maritime or an offshore worker.

A lawyer from our firm may also:

  • Help you prove the liable party’s negligence by investigating the cause of the accident
  • Work with various experts such as accident reconstruction specialists
  • Ensure that your claim does not miss the statute of limitations
  • Help you recover damages if you have lost a loved one due to an offshore accident
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

Can Non-Seaman Maritime Workers Recover Damages After an Offshore Accident?

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement found that 225 people died and sustained injuries in an offshore accident in the last year. Not all the workers involved in such accidents are seamen. Non-maritime workers have a right to recover damages if they sustain injuries in an offshore accident.

According to the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, non-maritime workers can recover the following damages after an offshore accident:

  • Medical bills
  • Cost of rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Part of your wages during your recovery time
  • Treatment costs for occupation-related diseases

The state of Louisiana requires that each port have its own safety and security plan. These plans dictate how ports will deter and respond to any incidents that endanger people and maritime vessels. A Gretna off-shore accident lawyer will help you understand the laws that apply to you as a non-maritime worker.

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

Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today

Suffering an offshore accident can permanently change your life. You may sustain a long-term injury or even lose the ability to earn a stable income. Recovering damages helps you meet the cost of current and future treatment of your injuries. A Gretna off-shore accident lawyer will guide you through the complex laws you will need to navigate to get compensated.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (504) 777-7777 to receive a free consultation.

Off-Shore Accident Blog Posts:
Laborde Earles Wins Verdict 51,000% Higher Than First Offer

Laborde Earles Wins Verdict 51,000% Higher Than First Offer

One morning, Rick Smith was driving his truck, like he did every day, when an accident in Lake Charles changed his life forever. Rick was left with injuries that ended his and his wife’s...

Lyft Accident Settlement

Lyft Accident Settlement

You may be able to receive compensation through a Lyft accident settlement after suffering injuries in an accident involving a Lyft driver. Financial recovery may be possible whether you were a...

$1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

$1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

When it comes to being injured in a car accident, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between getting $1,400,000 in 9 months instead of $150,000 after six years.  This was the...

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:
Can I File a Lawsuit If a Loved One Died Working Offshore? Can I File a Lawsuit If a Loved One Died Working Offshore?

If your loved one died working offshore, you can file a lawsuit. Under the Jones Act, some offshore workers’ family members can sue their deceased loved one’s employer for compensation

What Is Jones Act Coverage? What Is Jones Act Coverage?

Jones Act coverage allows workers who suffer maritime injuries to pursue compensation for on-the-job injuries. This coverage is an alternative to worker's compensation, something typically not

When Can I File an Unseaworthiness Claim? When Can I File an Unseaworthiness Claim?

You can file an unseaworthiness claim up to three years after you suffered an injury or illness while working aboard an ocean-going vessel with hazardous conditions, according to 46 U.S. Code

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

Gretna Maritime Injury Practice Areas
  • Seaman Injury
Additional Locations
  • Metairie Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Chalmette Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Eunice Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Fort Polk Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • New Iberia Offshore Accident Lawyer
  • Breaux Bridge Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Egan Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Jefferson Island Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Cankton Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Jennings Off-Shore Accident Lawyer

 

Frequently Asked Questions
How to Win My Truck Accident Case How to Win My Truck Accident Case
Who Is At Fault When Hitting a Parked Car? Who Is At Fault When Hitting a Parked Car?
Who Can I Sue for My Dog Bite Injury? Who Can I Sue for My Dog Bite Injury?
Find Yourself a Passionate Lawyer Now!
  • Barre Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Youngsville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Brownsville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Bossier City Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Fort Johnson South Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Henry Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Kenner Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Delcambre 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