Maritime work can be very dangerous to the brave men and women who make their living in it every day. Many of these proud workers live right here in the Jefferson Island area. However, when maritime accidents result in injuries, it can be tough to claim compensation.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a maritime workplace accident, our Jefferson Island maritime injury lawyers can help. Since maritime workers aren’t covered by typical workers’ compensation coverage, you may need to file an injury claim or even a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers can guide you through the entire process.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
Maritime accidents can happen frequently, especially in an unsafe work environment. Maritime employees may be exposed to various dangers depending on their job duties, including heavy equipment, moving items, and slippery surfaces. As a consequence, accidents at work are all too prevalent. However, some types of accidents are more common than others. For example, slip and fall injuries account for nearly half of all maritime injuries. Other common causes of injury can include:
- Exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxic respiratory agents, resulting in burns or lung damage
- Working in tight places with little access to escape if anything goes wrong
- Moving heavy things improperly, which can result in back or spinal cord injuries
- Continual pulling, twisting, and lifting for hours on end, causing repetitive motion injuries
- Heavy equipment malfunction, causing crushed or broken bones, or even lost limbs
- Exposure to extreme temperatures and weather, causing hypothermia or frostbite
- Malfunctioning equipment resulting in electrical fires and burns
- Working around loud machinery for long periods, resulting in hearing loss
Any one of these injuries could mean expensive medical treatment, and some could mean a permanent life change. A maritime injury lawyer serving the Jefferson Island area can help you seek compensation.
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The Jones Act
The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, gives seamen the ability to file a lawsuit against their employers for injuries they suffer while working aboard a ship. To be considered a seaman, you must work on a navigating vessel, you work must contribute to the overall mission of the ship, and you must spend more than 30 percent of your time onboard.
In addition, to pursue compensation under the Jones Act, negligence must have played a part in your accident, and you must be able to prove it. A maritime lawyer from our firm serving the Jefferson Island area can help determine the at-fault party.
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The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
For maritime workers who are not considered seamen and wouldn’t qualify under the Jones Act, there’s the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). For example, workers who are injured while loading or offloading a ship or involved in shipbuilding and maintenance can get coverage from this regulation. Under the LHWCA, you may seek compensation for work injuries, and you do not need to prove negligence was a factor like in the Jones Act.
Injured oil rig workers, shipping terminal workers, tugboat operators, and dockworkers from Jefferson Island may be able to depend on this statute for protection and compensation after a maritime workplace accident.
The Deadlines to File a Maritime Injury Claim in Louisiana
The statutes of limitations (deadlines) for the Jones Act and the LHWCA give injured employees a limited time to file a claim. These deadlines are strictly enforced so if you miss any of them, you could be giving up your right to seek compensation.
Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years to file your lawsuit from the date of your accident and you must report your injury to your employer within just seven days. Under the LHWCA, you have up to one year to file your injury claim and you must report the injury to your employer within 30 days.
The time can pass by quickly, especially if you’re in pain and dealing with injuries. Report and file as soon as possible.
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How a Jefferson Island Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you’re looking for a maritime injury lawyer serving Jefferson Island, our attorneys are ready to help. There are a lot of things a lawyer could do, including:
- Collecting and studying evidence to determine cause and liability
- File all paperwork properly and within time limits
- Review medical reports and work with your doctor to determine the extent of your injuries and the cost of treatment
- Negotiating on your behalf with the insurance company and your employer’s legal team
- Represent you in court if necessary
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What Kinds of Compensation Can I Pursue?
There are several different types of compensation you and your lawyer could pursue, depending on your specific situation. These could include:
- Outpatient care
- Hospital bills
- Surgeries
- Prosthetics
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Partial to complete disability
Help For Families After a Wrongful Death
In addition, if a maritime worker dies in a marine accident, his or her family may be entitled to survivor’s benefits or compensation in a wrongful death suit. This could include the loss of wages, loss of companionship, or even funeral expenses.
We understand that there’s no amount of money or list of benefits that can bring back your loved one. Ideally, these funds could give you a resource to face the future with confidence. A Jefferson Island maritime injury lawyer can tell you more, and guide you through the entire legal process during this difficult time.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a maritime accident, our attorneys serving Jefferson Island can help. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t charge anything unless we help you obtain compensation. Let us do the work so you can rest and recover. Call Laborde Earles today for your free consultation.
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