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Jefferson Parish Seaman Injury Lawyer

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Attorney David Laborde | Attorney Digger Earles
  1. Home
  2. Jefferson Parish Personal Injury Lawyer
  3. Jefferson Parish Maritime Injury Lawyer
  4. Seaman Injury
On This Page
  1. Common Seaman Injuries
  2. Common Causes of Off-Shore Accidents
  3. Federal Laws Protecting Maritime Workers
  4. Statute of Limitations
  5. How Can a Seaman Injury Lawyer Serving Jefferson Parish Help Me?
  6. What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue?
  7. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
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I NEED HELP NOW

Your personal injury lawyer can help you calculate your recoverable damages, which may include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Income Loss
  • Property Damage
  • Pain & Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Lasting Disfigurement
Jefferson Parish Seaman Injury Lawyer

While vital to the economy, Louisiana’s maritime industry remains one of the most dangerous workforces in the country. Maritime accidents (both off-shore and land-based) can be devastating and the resulting injuries can be life-changing for the worker experiencing them.

If you’re a seaman or maritime worker and have been injured in a work-related maritime accident, you could be entitled to compensation. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve the men and women of the Jefferson Parish area. Our seaman injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation.

Common Seaman Injuries

Living and working on a ship poses a lot of dangers. Some of the most common injuries to seaman include:

  • Eye injuries
  • Fractured, broken, or crushed bones
  • Hypothermia and frostbite
  • Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury
  • Loss of hearing from exposure to constant machine noise without hearing protection
  • Burns and scalds
  • Electric shock
  • Lung damage from toxic chemical inhalation
  • Misuse of tools, machinery, or high-pressure equipment
  • Back and spinal cord injuries

After an injury, seek proper medical attention. Do not try and ignore it. If you delay seeking medical attention, you risk the injury getting worse and putting yourself at risk unnecessarily.

CTA CTA

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.

Client
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Common Causes of Off-Shore Accidents

It is important to understand what causes most maritime accidents. Even with safety protocols in place, there will always be things that you cannot control. Some of the most common causes of off-shore accidents include:

  • Long hours without proper rest and mandated breaks, causing fatigue
  • Poor safety standards
  • Inexperienced crew
  • Lack of training for crewmembers
  • Defective equipment that results in electrical fires
  • Reckless behavior
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Improper handling of toxic materials
  • Malfunctioning safety equipment
  • Unseaworthiness of the vessel
CTA CTA

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 | Client
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Federal Laws Protecting Maritime Workers

Two federal laws help seaman and maritime workers pursue compensation for injuries sustained on the job: The Jones Act and The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Each has its own set of unique benefits. Your Jefferson Parish seaman injury attorney can better determine which law is best for your case.

The Jones Act

The Jones Act, more commonly known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, defines a “seaman” as anyone who spends a significant amount of time working on a vessel navigating open waters. Lakes, rivers, and oceans all qualify under the term navigable waters. Even lakes in landlocked states are considered navigable waters. The definition of a seaman also stipulates that you must contribute to the vessel’s work and spend at least 30 percent of your working time on the vessel.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

If you do not fit the definition of a Jones Act seaman, you may be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA provides benefits to injured maritime workers. The LHWCA covers:

  • Longshore workers
  • Ship-repairers or ship-beakers
  • Shipbuilders
  • Harbor construction workers
  • Stevedores
  • Dockworkers
  • Some oil rig workers
  • Shipping terminal employees
  • Those who load and unload vessels

These acts allow maritime workers and seamen to file a lawsuit if they are injured while on the job. Your Jefferson Island seaman injury lawyer can tell you more and determine which legal route would be best for you.

CTA CTA

The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.

Client
Call Us - (337) 777-7777 We are here when you need us the most

Statute of Limitations

In Louisiana, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to file your Jones Act lawsuit. However, you must report the injury to your employer within just seven days. Under the LHWCA, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file your LHWCA injury claim. You have up to 30 days to notify your employer of the injury.

CTA CTA

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.

Client
Contact Us Today We will work to get you the best outcome for your case

How Can a Seaman Injury Lawyer Serving Jefferson Parish Help Me?

There is a lot your lawyer can do to help you including:

  • Gathering evidence and talking to eyewitnesses and
  • Investigating your accident to determine the at-fault party
  • Working with your doctor to determine the extent and severity of your injuries and the potential cost of treatment over time
  • Negotiating with the insurance company and your employer’s attorneys
  • Considering every damage you may qualify for and calculating your settlement
  • Answering your questions and providing legal advice
  • Representing you in court if a settlement can’t be reached

What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue?

Under the Jones Act, an injured seaman can recover damages in many different areas. The damages you qualify for and the amount you can pursue depend on the injury and how it has affected your life. Some recoverable damages include:

  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Past and future medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Lost enjoyment of life
  • Disability

Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today

Talking to a Jefferson Island seaman injury lawyer from our firm comes with no upfront costs or charges. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we know every dollar is important. Our attorneys can review your case in a free consultation. In addition, our off-shore accident lawyers work on a contingency basis.

This means if we win and you receive compensation, your lawyer will simply take his or her legal fees out of a percentage of your total settlement package. If we lose, you don’t owe us anything. No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.

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Maritime Injury FAQ:
Are All Maritime Workers Covered By the Jones Act?

Are All Maritime Workers Covered By the Jones Act? All maritime employees are not protected by the Jones Act, which is a federal law that regulates the maritime trade between U.S. waters and

What Laws Protect Maritime Workers? What Laws Protect Maritime Workers?

The laws that protect maritime workers injured on the job include: The Maritime Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) The doctrine of

What is Admiralty Law? What is Admiralty Law?

Admiralty law is a body of laws that govern matters related to shipping, vessels, and oceanic issues. It includes both U.S. and international laws. Also referred to as maritime law, admiralty law

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Jefferson Parish Maritime Injury Practice Areas
  • Off-Shore Accidents
Additional Locations
  • New Orleans Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Forest Hill Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Baton Rouge Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Henry Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Mandeville Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Avoyelles Parish Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Hammond Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • New Iberia Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Marksville Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Fort Polk Seaman Injury Lawyer

 

Frequently Asked Questions
What If My Bicycle Accident Claim Was Denied By USAA? What If My Bicycle Accident Claim Was Denied By USAA?
Who Is Liable for Scaffold Accidents? Who Is Liable for Scaffold Accidents?
Can Whiplash Be Permanent? Can Whiplash Be Permanent?
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1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd,
Lafayette, LA 70508

Phone : (337) 777-7777

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100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

Phone : (318) 777-7777

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306 North Washington Street, Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

Phone : (318) 310-8922

New Iberia
230 W. Main Street,
New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone : (337)-547-2777

Lake Charles
530 E College St,
Lake Charles, LA 70605

Phone : (337) 612-6909

New Orleans
821 Baronne St, Suite D,
New Orleans, LA 70113

Phone : (504) 777-7777

Baton Rouge
660 St Ferdinand St,
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone : (225) 777-7777

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