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Lafayette Offshore Accident Lawyer

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Attorney David Laborde | Attorney Digger Earles
  1. Home
  2. Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyer
  3. Lafayette Maritime Injury Lawyer
  4. Off-Shore Accident
On This Page
  1. Common Causes of Offshore Accidents
  2. Common Offshore Injuries
  3. What Kind of Compensation Can I Pursue in Louisiana?
  4. The Jones Act vs. the LHWCA
  5. How Can a Lafayette Offshore Accident Attorney Help?
  6. Call Laborde Earles Personal Injury Attorneys Today
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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
Lafayette Offshore Accident Lawyer

Offshore work in the maritime industry can seem unique and exciting, but it’s also hard work that exposes employees to accident risks which can result in severe injury, permanent disability, and even death. Dangerous conditions like storm systems, slippery decks, complex and heavy machinery, and even the sea can cause potential lifelong injuries or tragedies. Therefore, knowing how to protect your rights in case of an accident is critical. Reach out to a Lafayette Maritime Injury Lawyer to discuss your situation.

A Lafayette offshore accident lawyer from Laborde Earles will help you navigate the complex legal system and pursue compensation for your injuries. Call us today to discuss a legal strategy for your case. Consultations are free and we work on contingency, so there is no fee unless your case is won. Phone support is available 24/7.

Common Causes of Offshore Accidents

Many offshore incidents are preventable by simply ensuring strict adherence to safety precautions and proper vessel maintenance. Several institutions are responsible for setting safety parameters for worker safety and protection.

For example, offshore oil and gas drilling and production companies must operate in compliance with guidelines set forth by the Department of the Interior (DOI), the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the Bureau of Safety and Environment (BSEE).

Unfortunately, human error can always play a role, and even with safety precautions in place, work injuries might still happen. Therefore, offshore injury attorneys will investigate the circumstances surrounding a work incident and use the available evidence to establish liability. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

Transportation Accidents

While you may not expect transportation accidents to be among the leading causes of offshore incidents, many workers are injured this way. Our offshore accident attorneys understand the unique challenges of these types of cases and help victims build a strong cases.

Employees who rely on water vehicles and helicopters for safe transportation to their rigs are especially exposed to the risk of transportation accidents. Sometimes, these machines experience mechanical failures, leading to terrible water accidents.

Mechanical Failures

Offshore vessels rely on heavy and complex machinery to operate correctly. This machinery needs regular maintenance and repairs, or it can malfunction and cause injuries to those using them.

Exposure to Dangerous and Explosive Chemicals

Some offshore work, like oil rig work, requires handling flammable and toxic chemicals like drilling fluids, production chemicals, and solvents. Unfortunately, these chemicals can cause devastating explosions and fires if carelessly handled.

Lack of Proper Training

Offshore workers require adequate knowledge and expertise to operate vessel equipment correctly. Without proper training, they can mishandle equipment and not respond to emergencies appropriately. In this setting, even minor incidents can easily escalate and turn fatal.

Poor Maintenance

Offshore vessels like ships and boats suffer corrosion after spending a long time in the water. Broken or corroded vessel parts can also lead to incidents if not properly maintained.

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Common Offshore Injuries

Drilling alone offers over 2,000 jobs for qualified workers. However, offshore work is physically demanding and poses a high risk of injury. According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), hundreds of on-the-job injuries are reported in the U.S. every year.

Injuries you may sustain after an offshore accident include:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Lost limbs and fractures
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Injuries from repetitive use
  • Electric shock injuries
  • Drowning
  • Hearing loss from continual exposure to loud machines

If you were involved in an accident while on the job, you must immediately report the event to your supervisor and seek medical care. Taking these steps will help protect your right to recover compensation.

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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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What Kind of Compensation Can I Pursue in Louisiana?

Knowing your available legal options when seeking compensation for your offshore injuries is important. Remember that laws governing offshore accidents differ from regular personal injury claims.

An offshore injury lawyer from our Lafayette branch will explain anything you may find confusing, guiding you through the process. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the specific situation surrounding the incident, you could be entitled to the following:

Medical Expenses

Many offshore accidents result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical care and specialized treatment. However, as the victim, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, including treatment costs like therapy and rehabilitation.

Loss of Wages

After an accident, you may have to take time off work for an extended period to recover. In this case, you could be eligible for compensation for the loss of income during your recovery.

If you suffer a permanent disability, you could seek compensation for losing future earning capability since you can no longer perform the same tasks.

Pain and Suffering

Accidents often lead to severe psychological distress and negatively affect personal relationships. You could also suffer isolation and depression after the traumatic event.

Your personal injury lawyer will assess the emotional distress and mental anguish you experienced to calculate a fair compensation amount for your intangible losses.

Death Benefits

If you have lost a loved one in an offshore accident, you could be entitled to compensation for the following:

  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of the victim’s financial contribution to the household
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills related to the victim’s injuries

An offshore accident lawyer in Lafayette, LA, will help you pursue compensation and guide you through the process. Our family-oriented law firm understands the difficulties surviving loved ones experience, and we offer compassionate legal counsel.

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

Client
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The Jones Act vs. the LHWCA

The Jones Act is a federal law that enables seamen to sue an employer directly for compensation after an offshore accident. A seaman is someone who works on a navigating vessel and spends a significant amount of time onboard. Under the Jones Act, you can file your claim up to three years from the incident date.

There’s the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) for offshore workers who don’t qualify as seamen. Under the LHWCA, you may file an injury claim within two years of the event. Consult a workers’ compensation lawyer in Lafayette, LA, to review your options for financial recovery. Consider hiring an attorney with experience in offshore accident cases and in-depth knowledge of the Jones Act and LHWCA.

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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 Lafayette Offshore Accident Attorney Help?

When you’ve been injured, dealing with an offshore accident on your own can be overwhelming. To help lessen this burden, an attorney will handle all legal matters regarding your case. An offshore accident lawyer could help in a lot of ways, including:

  • Collecting critical evidence, taking photos at the scene, and statements from eyewitnesses
  • Determine whether to use the Jones Act or the LHWCA
  • Negotiating with insurance adjusters and your employer’s attorneys
  • Representing you in court if necessary
  • Keeping you updated on the status of your case
  • Ensuring all paperwork is filed within time limits
  • Addressing all your legal concerns and giving sound advice

Call Laborde Earles Personal Injury Attorneys Today

If you have been injured on the job, our offshore accident attorneys in Lafayette, LA, will help. It can be hard to focus on the details when you’re in pain. Let Laborde Earles handle the complexities of your compensation claim so that you may take time to rest and recover.

We even work on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees upfront. If we win the case and you obtain a settlement, we take a percentage of that to cover our expenses. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Lafayette Off-Shore Accident Blog Posts:

Laborde Earles to Represent the Hall Family’s Fatal Crash Lawsuit Against Kyren Lacy

Following the tragic Herman Hall crash in December on LA 20, attorney Digger Earles of Laborde Earles will represent the Hall family as they pursue compensation for the wrongful death of Herman Hall,...

That’s A Wrap: Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers 2023 Year In Review

That’s A Wrap: Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers 2023 Year In Review

As the year draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the record-breaking accomplishments Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers achieved in 2023. Last year was a testament to our unwavering commitment to our...

10 Steps to Take Today to Ensure Your Insurance Claim Is Valid

10 Steps to Take Today to Ensure Your Insurance Claim Is Valid

Before the next big storm hits, you can take 10 steps today to protect your chance at receiving a full and fair payout should you need to submit a claim for storm or hurricane damage. Knowing what to...

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Lafayette Maritime Injury FAQ:
What Is a Maritime Injury? What Is a Maritime Injury?

A maritime injury occurs when a worker on a ship is injured while the vessel is in U.S. navigable water. Maritime workers do not qualify for traditional workers' compensation coverage, but they do

What Are the Most Common Maritime Accidents? What Are the Most Common Maritime Accidents?

The maritime industry is known for its inherent dangers, with seamen and sailors facing various potential accidents during their work on vessels, but what are the most common maritime accidents?

What Are Maintenance and Cure Benefits? What Are Maintenance and Cure Benefits?

Maintenance and cure benefits are two types of compensation that an injured seaman can receive after being hurt on the job under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which is more commonly known as

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Lafayette Maritime Injury Practice Areas
  • Longshoreman Injury
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  • New Iberia Offshore Accident Lawyer
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  • Slidell Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Fort Polk Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Ledoux Off-Shore Accident Lawyer
  • Mandeville Off-Shore Accident Lawyer

 

Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident? Do You Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident?
What Is a Product Liability Lawsuit? What Is a Product Liability Lawsuit?
What to Do if Your Hurricane Damage Claim Is Underpaid What to Do if Your Hurricane Damage Claim Is Underpaid
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1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd,
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Phone : (337) 777-7777

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100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
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Phone : (318) 777-7777

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

Phone : (318) 310-8922

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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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