If you are an offshore worker in Lafayette and you’ve been injured due to acts of carelessness and negligence, you may be looking for a way to be compensated for your injuries. Offshore workers operate under different laws than those on land.
If you are attempting to file a personal injury claim against your negligent party, you will want a lawyer with extensive knowledge of the laws related to maritime workers. Your lawyer can also explain how they differ from standard workers’ compensation laws and how they can benefit you in getting what you need from a personal injury claim or compensation via the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA).
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. 250 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.
For a free legal consultation with a longshoreman injury lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 777-7777
Testimonials
Here are just a few commendations from clients who we helped improve a challenging circumstance:
“I woke up and I was lying on my stomach, facedown in a ditch. David was a phenomenal individual. I felt secure; I felt that he was protecting me and my family, and he was going to get us what what we deserved. He was a great lawyer and went above and beyond.” – Kelsie
“I have had a wonderful experience with Laborde Earles. Brittany who is assigned to my case is awesome. She is on top of her game and very friendly. Brittany has made my experience very smooth and professional.” – Kerry Thomas
“I love the communication with the staff members, also any updates I’m informed in dealing with the case.” – Jermaine Ambrose
Lafayette Longshoreman Injury Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
The Jones Act and Its Affect 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.
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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 we’ll 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 LWHCA, 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.
Statute of Limitations for Longshoreman Injury Claims in Lafayette
Longshoreman civil suits fall under the law of personal injury claims. In Louisiana, CC Art. 3492 gives you just one year after your injury to take legal action against negligence. Once that time passes you will be barred from seeking compensation.
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.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
