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Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, Serving Clients Throughout Louisiana

Our Firm serves the greater Louisiana area and is well-prepared to help you acquire the financial compensation you rightfully deserve. 350 years of combined experience and over 200 million dollars in verdicts and settlements means you can trust us. Our team will put their best foot forward in your case no matter what your circumstances are.

For longshoremen in particular, we understand that these workers are not protected by workers’ compensation laws. Knowing this, our lawyers are fully equipped to assist you in filing a compensation claim via the LHWCA, and, if necessary pursuing a civil suit against negligent employers via the Jones Act.

So let us take your case, and we’ll get started free of charge. We operate under the contingency fee system. If you don’t get paid at the end of your case, neither do we. Our team of experienced workers’ compensation lawyers is ready to help you get the money you deserve.

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The Jones Act and Its Effect on Your Claim

The Jones Act is a law established in 1920 that provides support for The United States Merchant Marine for both commercial and military purposes. Most notable here is that it also allows maritime workers who are injured on the job to file a personal injury suit against their employers or other negligent parties.

This act is to the benefit of maritime workers, who do not get normal workers’ compensation benefits. This allows them to still be compensated for their injuries and works in tandem with the LHWCA.

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The Dangers of Offshore Work

Longshoremen are in charge of loading and unloading cargo from docked ships to prepare them for transport, due to the physically demanding nature of the profession and the necessary ability to operate machinery, your physical and mental health is of the utmost importance.

But, similar to those who work in the construction industry, those who are frequently exposed to such potentially harmful and heavy tools run the risk of suffering serious injuries in an accident.

Some of the many injuries you could be facing in an accident working offshore include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Lacerations
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Loss of limbs

The dangers you face when things go wrong working offshore could leave you paralyzed, an amputee, or with an otherwise permanent disability. These factors are accounted for in an LHWCA claim and should be present if you are filing for personal injury. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

Laborde Earles Has Years of Experience Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

For any work-related injury in a work environment, the blame lies solely with the parties responsible for the accident that took place. Although under a slightly different legal jurisdiction, longshoremen are no exception. If injured during maritime duties, they can legally file a civil suit against their employers for financial compensation.

Your medical expenses and work-related costs will be covered in an LHWCA claim, but if you are filing a personal injury claim against negligence for additional damages, you will have to prove that there was misconduct from a 3rd party that resulted in your harm.

Fortunately, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers have a thorough knowledge of every act that can benefit maritime workers in their claims and a wealth of experience representing those workers in civil cases, identifying accountable parties, and proving fault. Brief us on the incident that took place and our team of longshoreman injury attorneys in Lafayette will investigate from there.

Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Benefits & More

After you’ve been injured on the job, your medical bills will depend on the severity of your injuries. But no matter the cost, they are covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

This act was put in place to provide a resource for offshore workers to be financially compensated in the event of an accident and injury.

The benefits provided are as follows:

  • Medical treatment
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost income related to active employment.

You are not eligible to file a compensation claim under this act if you are a:

  • Seamen
  • Government employee
  • Covered by standard workers’ compensation laws.

Lastly, it must be noted that while seamen are not eligible to file a compensation claim under the LHWCA, they can still pursue a personal injury lawsuit because of the Jones Act.

Personal Injury Claims

Even if you are filing a claim under the LHWCA, you are still eligible to file a personal injury claim against your employer or any other negligent party that may have been involved in the incident, via the Jones Act.

All economic and non-economic benefits related to damages in a personal injury lawsuit apply here, including, but not limited to:

  • Counseling
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish

If you are filing on behalf of a deceased offshore worker who died on duty, you are also entitled to wrongful death damages such as burial expenses, loss of consortium, loss of education, and any other damages related to your loved one’s passing.

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Statute of Limitations for Longshoreman Injury Claims in Lafayette

Longshoreman civil suits fall under the law of personal injury claims. In Louisiana, CC 3493.1 gives you just two years after your injury to take legal action against negligence. Once that time passes you will be barred from seeking compensation.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

M
Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated Toxic Water Claim. Mr. John Chaillot has been instrumental in advising me on documentation, timelines, and all matters pertaining to my case. A true professional and appreciated. Thank you.

S
Stephan C.

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve h...

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve had with her has been positive — she takes the time to explain things clearly and makes the process much less stressful. Laborde Earles Law Firm is lucky to have someone like Jourdan on their team. I would highly recommend both Jourdan and the firm to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable legal support.

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Matt Picard

New Orleans

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. He...

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. Her communication is clear, and she truly cares about delivering results. I couldn’t recommend her more highly!

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Mimi

Lake Charles

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

J
Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situat...

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situation. They made everything easy to understand and handled every detail with care. I felt supported the whole way through. I highly recommend Renee McCaslin to anyone looking for a paralegal who goes above and beyond.

R
Rosann Roberts

Lake Charles

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! ...

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! She is the best, I 1000% recommend her if you have any questions!

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skylar bachman

New Iberia

They have good to keep me updated on the case but so far the settlement has not been reached.

L
Lisa S.

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's,...

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's, Amber, Toni, Debbie, Alana & Erica are absolutely amazing. You couldn't have ask for better. And to Rachael, she was so sweet the other day when I needed some information about when my advance was going to be ready. Thank you Laborde Earle's Law Firm for always being the Best.

L
Lauren O'Quinn

New Orleans

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

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Contact a Lafayette Longshoreman Injury Lawyer Today and Let’s Get to Work

If you work as a longshoreman and your employer or anyone else’s negligence has rendered you unable to work or has otherwise disrupted your life, contact us immediately for a free case evaluation and we will get you started on the road to financial recovery and mental wellness.

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Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Lafayette

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1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70508

 (337) 777-7777
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Alexandria

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100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

 (318) 777-7777
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Marksville

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306 N Washington St. Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

 (318) 310-8922
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New Iberia

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230 W. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560

 (337) 547-2777
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Lake Charles

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530 E. College St.
Lake Charles, LA 70605

 (337) 612-6909
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Baton Rouge

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660 St. Ferdinand St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

 (225) 777-7777
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New Orleans

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

 (504) 777-7777
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