The maritime industry is a significant part of Louisiana’s economy. But that economic boom does come at a cost. Of all of the jobs in the country, working in the maritime industry is one of the most dangerous. Accidents and injuries are always a possibility. The seamen and maritime workers of the Jennings area face that risk every time they go to work.
If you’re a seaman or maritime worker and have been injured in a work accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A Jennings seaman injury lawyer can determine what federal laws and damages you qualify for and navigate you safely through the entire process.
Common Seaman Injuries
Injuries to seamen involved in off-shore accidents can be frightfully common. Some of the seaman injuries we see most often include:
- Loss of hearing from exposure to loud machinery without proper hearing protection
- Fractured, broken, or crushed bones
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury
- Lung damage from toxic chemical inhalation
- Frostbite and hypothermia
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
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What Should I Do After an Off-Shore Accident?
After a maritime accident, there are several things you can do to safeguard both your health and your injury case. These include:
- Seek medical attention: Get medical help as soon as possible. Any delay can worsen injuries. If you are at sea, the Coast Guard can get you safely to shore.
- Report the accident to your employer: Under the Jones Act, you only have seven days to report, so do this as soon as possible. Your lawyer can be present for the report if you wish.
- Gather information about the accident: This includes taking pictures and videos of the scene, recording wind and weather conditions at the time of the accident, and taking photos of your injuries, both before and after treatment.
- Contact the appropriate authorities: Depending on where your accident occurred, this may include Coast Guard officials, local police, or port authorities.
- File a report with the authority figure. Be sure to include all relevant information, including eyewitnesses.
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The Jones Act
The Jones Act, also called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, states that a seaman can bring a lawsuit against their employer or fellow crew members for personal injuries caused by negligence. It applies only when the accident occurs on board a vessel. A seaman can also bring suit against third parties who cause damage to their vessel.
Special requirements must be met to file a Jones Act lawsuit. You must be considered a seaman, which in this case means you must work on a navigable vessel (an oil rig counts as long as it has some form of controllable navigation), your work contributes to the overall mission of the vessel, and you must spend at least 30 percent of your working time onboard.
In addition, to file a Jones Act lawsuit, you must be able to prove that negligence played a part in causing your accident, whether it was the negligence of your employer, a coworker, or a vessel parts manufacturer. Your Jennings seaman injury lawyer can help determine whether you qualify for the Jones Act, can help pinpoint the at-fault party, and help you locate the evidence that proves it.
Statute Of Limitations
The statute of limitations (the means deadlines) for injury claims are taken very seriously. Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years from the date of your accident to file your lawsuit, or three years from the date you first noticed the injury (for example, injuries like a concussion or traumatic brain injury may not be noticeable immediately).
However, you also must notify your employer of the accident within just seven days. This is an incredibly short window of time so do this as soon as possible. Missing any of these deadlines could mean giving up your right to pursue any compensation at all. Your Jennings seaman injury lawyer can help make sure that all of your case’s paperwork is filled out properly and filed on time.
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What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue?
Regardless of the nature of your injuries, a Jennings seaman injury lawyer can fight for compensation to cover damages like these:
- Lost wages
- Hospital bills
- Pain and suffering
- MRI and x-rays
- Labs and other tests
- Ambulance costs
- Prosthetics
- Prescriptions
- Loss of life enjoyment
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How Can a Jennings Seaman Injury Lawyer Help?
Your lawyer can help in a lot of ways, including:
- Investigating your accident to determine the cause and the responsible party
- Gathering evidence and speaking to eyewitnesses
- Negotiating with the insurance company and your employer’s legal team
- Working with your doctor to get an idea of the extent of your injuries and how much they could cost to treat over time
- Determining which damages you qualify for and calculating an appropriate settlement
- Representing you in court if a settlement can’t be agreed upon
- Explaining anything you find confusing and keeping you updated on changes or developments in your case
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Talking to a Jennings seaman injury lawyer from our firm comes with no upfront costs or charges. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’ll review your case in a free consultation. In addition, our seaman injury 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 upfront costs. No hidden charges. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
