Maritime work in Louisiana comes with many dangers. Workers must learn to operate under various working conditions while facing certain hazards, such as dangerous cargo, bad weather, the possibility of human error, and even 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, our Houma maritime injury lawyer can help you use federal law to build your compensation case. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers also represents families who lost loved ones to maritime injuries. All prospective clients receive a free consultation.
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 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 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 injury attorneys 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 land-based maritime 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. If you suffer injuries while working on or near a vessel in the Houma area, our lawyers are here to help you identify the correct federal law for your compensation case.
For a free legal consultation with a maritime injury lawyer serving Houma, call (337) 777-7777
How 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 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
You also want to consider reaching out for legal representation as soon as you can. Our attorneys can help keep your case on track and gather evidence critical to your case 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 Amount 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 injury 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 lawyers are willing to stick with you throughout the process, advocating for your right to compensation. 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.
Houma Maritime Injury Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Common Maritime Injuries Our Firm Handles
Houma, Louisiana, ranks as one of the most active maritime communities. Being the starting point of a 36-mile Houma Navigation Canal (HNC), there are a lot of maritime work opportunities that the residents in this region seek to explore.
This means there are also several ways maritime workers can suffer injuries while on duty. These are some common maritime injuries workers seek compensation for:
- Third-degree burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Hypothermia and frostbite
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Compartment syndrome
- Dismemberment
Even if you don’t see your injury listed here, our firm could still help you seek damages.
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Hire a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
If you are looking for help with your maritime injury lawsuit in Houma, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is here to help. When you visit or contact our law office, our team will analyze your 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 at your side, you could 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 for your maritime injury case: (337) 777-7777.
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