Maritime work can be dangerous, and accidents happen frequently. These accidents can result in debilitating injuries or even death. If you’re a maritime worker and have been hurt while working, you’ll need medical care and then have to deal with the resulting bills. This could likely mean a legal injury claim or even a lawsuit. A Harvey maritime injury lawyer can help.
While it may be tempting to file a claim on your own, maritime law can be confusing, even at the best of times. If you’re injured and feeling vulnerable, the prospect of shouldering an entire legal case all on your own can be daunting, even overwhelming. A maritime injury lawyer can handle that stress for you, doing all the hard work of your case, so you can focus on healing from your injuries,
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
There are many different ways that maritime injuries can occur. For example:
- You were hurt because of faulty equipment.
- You had a slip and fall accident from poor conditions.
- You were injured because someone else was negligent.
- You got sick after being exposed to harmful substances.
These are just a few examples of what can go wrong in a maritime workplace setting. Remember that you need to act quickly if you’ve been injured, whether on or offshore—both to get medical assistance and to file your injury claim. Otherwise, you risk losing valuable time and suffering further harm.
What Is Maritime Injury?
A maritime injury occurs when an accident takes place at a harbor, in a shipping terminal, or onboard a ship. This includes any damage during a voyage, like falling overboard or being struck by a piece of equipment. The term “maritime” refers to the area covered by water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
If you were injured in any sort of marine-related job, a maritime injury attorney can help immediately following the accident. These lawyers know how to navigate the complex laws surrounding maritime injuries and can help you pursue compensation.
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.
ClientHow a Harvey Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Help
A maritime attorney can help you understand all of the aspects of your case. Maritime lawyers know the ins and outs of maritime law and can provide advice throughout the entire process.
Your lawyer can answer any questions that you have about your claim and help protect your rights during your deposition hearing.
Your lawyer could work with your doctor to determine the extent and severity of your injuries, how much treatment you may need, and how much that treatment might cost. If negligence was a factor in your accident, your Harvey maritime lawyer could help gather evidence and determine the at-fault party.
How can I afford a Maritime Injury Lawyer?
As payment, maritime injury lawyers usually receive a percentage of your final settlement. This is called a contingency fee. Contingency means that the lawyer only gets paid if their client wins the lawsuit. In most cases, maritime injury lawyers get paid by taking a percentage of the total settlement or verdict. If you settle outside of court, you may only pay a portion of the total settlement amount. If you lose, you don’t pay anything. This way, you still come out on top.
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 | ClientThe Jones Act
The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, was created to provide injured seamen with a way to sue their employer or the shipowner for compensation for those injuries. To qualify, you must first be considered a seaman, which means you must work onboard a navigable vessel, contributing to the work of the ship, and spending more than 30% of your time onboard.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientThe LHWCA
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) was created to cover any maritime worker not covered by the Jones Act, as long as they work near or adjacent to navigable waters. This means it can apply to dock workers, shipping terminal employees, shipbuilders, and more.
How Long Does It Take To File A Personal Injury Claim?
In Louisiana, you have three years to file under the Jones Act and one year to file under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Your Harvey maritime attorney can help you know what you’re eligible to file under. Either way, this is just the start of your case. Maritime claims and lawsuits take time, in some cases lasting for more than two years. Working with an attorney serving the Harvey area makes it possible to move on with your life while the law firm fights for your compensation.
While waiting for your case to move forward, it helps to remain active if physically possible. You can do things to help yourself and your case like:
- Get treatment from doctors and therapists.
- Keep track of lost wages.
- Record everything you can remember about the incident.
- Join a support group for injured maritime workers.
How Much Can I Pursue in Compensation?
Your chances of getting a settlement depend on many factors. These factors include the severity of your injuries, the extent of any damage, and the fault of the person responsible. Depending on your case, you could be reimbursed for the following:
- Hospital Bills
- Ambulance Costs
- Labs, X-Rays, and MRIs
- In-home care
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
- Lost income during the recovery period
- Loss of potential income due to a disabling injury
A Harvey maritime injury lawyer can investigate all aspects of your case. They can provide you with a detailed analysis of what damages you may recover.
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.
ClientContact a Laborde Earles Maritime Injury Lawyer Today!
A maritime injury lawyer can help you understand the legal system and give you counsel regarding your rights and responsibilities. A maritime accident can be painful, frightening, and leave you vulnerable. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’re ready to handle the stress and hard work of your case, so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
