As professions go, maritime work is both physically demanding and dangerous. All maritime workers take on a certain amount of risk every day, from harbor workers to seamen to oil rig workers. When maritime accidents result in injury for these workers, it can be tough to pursue compensation.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries from a maritime accident, a Jefferson Parish maritime injury lawyer can help. Maritime law is complex and can be difficult to understand, but a maritime injury lawyer serving the Jefferson Parish area can walk you through your injury claim or lawsuit, handling all the details so that you can focus on your recovery and health.
Who Is at Risk for Maritime Accidents?
A wide variety of employees make their living in the maritime industry. While maritime work can be thrilling and offers good pay, there are many hazards involved with simply going to work in this industry. Some of the workers regularly at risk of injury include:
- Harbor workers
- Commercial divers
- Commercial fishermen
- Shipyard workers
- Dockworkers
- Oil rig workers
If you are unsure if you qualify under maritime laws as a maritime worker, a maritime injury attorney serving Jefferson Parish can offer advice and help you move forward.
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.
ClientCommon Causes of Maritime Accidents
Working on or near the water can create many unsafe work environments. Some of the most common maritime accidents can include:
- Vessels colliding with other vessels, or a bridge, dock, or pier
- Massive storm systems
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Falling overboard
- Exhaustion from heavy workload and long work hours without proper rest and breaks
- Mechanical fires or malfunctioning equipment
- Insufficient training for new crewmembers
- Lack of adherence to safety protocols
- Lack of safety equipment
- Unseaworthy vessels
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 | ClientInjuries Commonly Seen in Maritime Incidents
Any of the above maritime accidents could easily result in injury. Due to the occupational hazards of working on or near water, injuries can happen frequently. Some of the most common include:
- Electrical or chemical burns
- Broken bones or fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of hearing from working around loud machinery
- Lung damage
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury
- Death
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat Should I do After a Maritime Accident?
Maritime employees work dangerous jobs and adhere to a rigorous schedule. Because of this, maritime employees are often likely to “tough” out an injury and work through the pain. This is not the best way to protect your rights and, more importantly, your health. If you are injured on the job, even if it appears to be minor, you should consider these steps:
- Get Medical Attention Immediately.Even if you need emergency care and are out at sea, take whatever means necessary to stabilize your injury and get back to shore as quickly as possible. Many large vessels have sick bays or nursing stations equipped to handle minor injuries or stabilize large ones. Delaying care for any amount of time can worsen injuries.
- Maintain Documentation. Keep copies of all medical bills and documents. These will be important to your case.
- Report the Accident. It is vital to report the accident to your employer. Under the Jones Act, you only have a week to do this, so time is of the essence.
- Gather Evidence. Take photos of the scene and get the contact info of any eyewitnesses. If you are unable, a Jefferson Parish maritime injury lawyer can do it for you.
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.
ClientHow Can Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Help with My Maritime Injury Case?
A Jefferson Parish maritime attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you navigate complicated legal matters. Your lawyer could:
- Collect evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Identify the liable party
- Speak with experts to prove injury
- Calculate expenses and advise on damages to include in your claim
- File your claim before the statute of limitations runs out
- Negotiate settlement offers
- Represent you in court if needed
While every case is different, at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can do everything necessary to file your claim and work towards your compensation.
The Jones Act vs the LHWCA
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employer for compensation. To qualify, you must work on a ship or vessel and spend at least 30 percent of your time onboard. Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to file, but you must report the injury to your employer within just seven days.
For maritime workers who don’t qualify for the Jones Act, there’s the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Under the LHWCA, you have two years from the date of your accident to file, and the injury must be reported to your employer within 30 days.
There are many more important details involved with filing under the Jones Act and the LHWCA. A Jefferson Parish maritime injury lawyer can tell you more and determine which legal path is right for you.
What Compensation Can I Seek for my Maritime Injury?
If you have been injured in a maritime accident due to the negligence of another party, you can seek compensation. Some damages could include:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses.This could include surgeries, medications, therapy, or hospital stays
- Pain and Suffering.This is any mental and emotional trauma incurred from the accident
- Lost Wages.If you have to miss work to recover or cannot return to work temporarily or permanently, you can request lost wages as part of your claim
These are just a few of the damages you could pursue. A maritime attorney in the Jefferson Parish area can explain exactly which types of compensation could apply to your case.
How Much does a Maritime Injury Lawyer Cost?
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we operate on a contingency basis. Essentially you don’t pay us unless we win or settle your case. You won’t pay any upfront fees, and if we lose your case, you don’t owe us anything. If we win or settle your case, your attorney will simply take their fees from a percentage of your total settlement package. A win for you is a win for us.
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today!
Time is of the essence in maritime injury cases. Let us handle the work and worry about the deadlines while you rest and recuperate from your injuries. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.
