Maritime work in Louisiana is dangerous. Workers must learn to operate under various conditions while facing hazards such as dangerous cargo, bad weather, human error, and slippery environments.
Regardless of how careful you are, there is only so much you can do to prevent maritime injuries. If you or your loved one suffered an offshore injury in Louisiana, a Houma maritime injury lawyer can help you use federal law to build your compensation case.
At Laborde Earles Law Firm, LLC, our Houma personal injury lawyers have fought for fair compensation for maritime accident victims since 1995. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
Federal Laws Regarding Maritime Injuries
Maritime workers typically don’t qualify for coverage under state workers’ compensation policies. Instead, the federal government enacted several laws that could provide coverage when these individuals suffer injuries on the job.
Below, we’ve outlined a few of the laws our Houma maritime injury attorneys could use to prove your right to damages.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. 30104) is a federal law that governs vessel operators and other maritime employers. Formerly known as the Merchant Mariners Act, it ensures that seamen can seek compensation for offshore accidents and injuries.
To qualify for compensation under this law, a worker must perform a certain percentage of their duties aboard a vessel. In addition, there must be evidence of another party’s negligence or the vessel’s unseaworthiness to support a Jones Act claim.
Note that these cases are time-sensitive, and you must follow protocol to protect your case. Our maritime lawyers can advise you of this and guide your case through the process.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Not all maritime injuries happen offshore; some happen inland, which is where the Longshore and Harbor Workers‘ Compensation Act (LHWCA) comes in. Under 33 U.S.C. Chapter 18, the LHWCA provides compensation to:
- Dock workers
- Longshoremen
- Pier and harbor workers
- Other offshore workers
Unlike the Jones Act, this law does not require applicants to prove negligence. As such, many who do not qualify for a Jones Act claim can seek coverage under the LHWCA.
The Admiralty Extension Act
This law helps maritime workers who sustain injuries while on land due to a vessel on navigable water. The Admiralty Extension Act also covers injuries sustained while loading, unloading, or storing vessel cargo on land.
The scenarios these laws apply to can be tricky to navigate. Suppose you suffer injuries while working on or near a vessel in the Houma area. In that case, our maritime accident lawyers are here to help you identify the correct federal law for your compensation case.
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 Lawyer Can Help With Your Houma Maritime Injury Case
The different laws that help maritime workers recover compensation for their injuries in Houma, LA, are complex—even if you know which applies to your case, you must also know how to use it to recover compensation.
Once our team conducts a free initial case review, you can learn more about our services and what we can bring to your case. For example, our maritime injury lawyers in Houma can:
Help You Meet Critical Deadlines and Gather Time-Sensitive Evidence
There is a time limit for seeking any kind of compensation after an on-the-job injury, as well as several deadlines you must meet along the way. How long you have depends on which law you file under. In general, you must:
- Seek prompt medical attention
- Report the injury to your employer within a few days of the accident
- File an accident report to initiate the claims process as soon as your injuries allow
Also, consider seeking legal representation as soon as possible. Our attorneys can help keep your case on track and gather critical evidence before a lot of time has passed.
The longer you wait, the more likely evidence will disappear or witnesses’ memories will fade, which can jeopardize your financial recovery.
Identify the Types and Amounts of Compensation You Can Seek
The compensation available in your case can depend on which federal law applies. However, the most common form of compensation covers your immediate needs.
Known as “maintenance and cure,” these damages cater to maintenance expenses (living) and medical bills resulting from the injuries you suffered while on duty. They are generally available in any maritime injury case.
If you have a problem obtaining maintenance and cure compensation, our maritime attorneys can help. We can also outline other types of damages you can seek, such as pain and suffering and missed wages.
Provide Legal Representation
Maritime injury cases can be very complex and lengthy. Our personal injury lawyers will stay with you throughout the process and advocate for your right to compensation with insurance companies.
From establishing fault and proving your injuries to negotiating and going to trial, our maritime injury attorneys will be with you every step of the way.
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 | ClientCommon Maritime Injuries Our Firm Handles
Houma, Louisiana, is one of the most active maritime communities. As the starting point of the 36-mile Houma Navigation Canal (HNC), there are many work opportunities in the maritime industry.
This means there are also several ways maritime workers can suffer injuries while on duty. These are some of the most common maritime accidents where injured workers seek monetary compensation for medical expenses:
- Third-degree burns
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Hypothermia and frostbite
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Compartment syndrome
- Dismemberment
If you lost a loved one in a fatal maritime injury, our Houma wrongful death lawyers offer compassionate legal guidance to family members during such difficult times. We will help evaluate your options to seek justice for the untimely death of your loved one.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHire a Houma Maritime Injury Attorney Today
Recovering a fair settlement for severe injuries through a compensation claim can seem confusing. A Houma maritime injury attorney can help you fight to recover your damages and reclaim your life.
When you visit or contact our Laborde Earles law office, our legal team will analyze your maritime accident case and explain the initial steps we will take if you hire us. These steps are important because they lay the groundwork for your potential financial recovery.
With our compassionate personal injury attorneys on your side, you can recover the damages you need to heal and move forward. Contact us today to learn more about our firm’s track record and receive a free consultation.
