Off-shore work in the maritime industry can seem unique and exciting. And some of the time it can be. But to most off-shore maritime workers, it’s also work that exposes you to accident risks that 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 itself can expose off-shore workers to potentially catastrophic accidents.
As an off-shore worker, it is critical to know how to protect your rights in case of an accident. If an off-shore maritime accident at has left you injured, a Lafayette off-shore accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Off-Shore Accidents
Many off-shore accidents are preventable by simply ensuring strict adherence to safety precautions and proper vessel maintenance. Unfortunately, human error can always play a role, and even with these precautions in place, off-shore accidents can still happen. Some of the most common causes of off-shore accidents include:
Transportation Accidents
Transportation accidents may be a surprising cause to include in an off-shore list, but they’re a big cause of injuries, especially to oil-rig off-shore workers who rely on water vehicles and helicopters for safe transportation to their rigs. Sometimes, those machines experience mechanical failures which can lead to terrible accidents on the water.
Mechanical Failures
Off-shore 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 off-shore work, like oil rig work, requires handling flammable and toxic chemicals like drilling fluids, production chemicals, and solvents. Unfortunately, if carelessly handled, these chemicals can cause explosions and fires that can be devastating.
Lack of Proper Training
Off-shore workers require adequate knowledge and expertise to operate vessel equipment correctly. Without proper training, workers can mishandle equipment and cannot respond to emergencies appropriately, which can make even minor accidents escalate and turn fatal.
Poor Maintenance
Off-shore vessels like ships and boats suffer water corrosion after spending a long time in the water. Broken or corroded vessel parts can also lead to accidents if not properly maintained.
For a free legal consultation with a off-shore accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 223-9925
Common Off-Shore Injuries
Off-shore work is physically demanding and poses more of a risk of injury than other jobs. Injuries you may sustain after an off-shore accident can include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal and neck injuries
- Lost limbs and fractures
- Cuts and bruises
- Injuries from repetitive use
- Drowning
- Loss of hearing from continual exposure to loud machines
Lafayette Off-Shore Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 223-9925
What Kind of Compensation Can I Pursue?
It’s important to know your available legal options when seeking compensation for your off-shore accident injuries. Remember that laws governing off-shore accidents and the injuries sustained in those accidents differ from regular personal injury claims. An off-shore accident lawyer from our Lafayette branch can explain anything you find confusing, guiding you through the process.
Depending on the severity of your injuries and the specific situation surrounding your accident, you could be entitled to:
Medical Expenses
Many off-shore accidents result in serious injuries that require extensive medical care and specialized treatment. As the victim of an off-shore accident, you could be eligible for compensation for any medical expenses incurred due to the accident, including costs of treatment like therapy and rehabilitation.
Loss of Wages
- After an accident, you may have to take time off work for an extended period to recover from your injuries. In this case, you could be eligible for compensation for the loss of income during your time in recovery.
- If an accident results in permanent disability, you could seek compensation for the loss of future earning capability since you can no longer perform the same tasks.
Pain and Suffering
Accidents can often lead to severe psychological distress and negatively affect personal relationships. You could also suffer isolation and depression after an accident. Your off-shore accident lawyer could assess the emotional distress of your accident to come up with an accurate compensation amount for your pain and suffering.
Death Benefits
If you have lost a loved one in an off-shore accident, you could be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium (this means companionship), loss of the victim’s financial contribution to the household, and even funeral expenses. A Lafayette off-shore accident lawyer from our firm could help you pursue compensation and guide you through the process.
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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 off-shore 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 date of your accident.
For maritime workers who don’t qualify as a seaman, there’s the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Under the LHWCA, you can make an injury claim within one year of the accident.
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How Can a Lafayette Off-Shore Accident Lawyer Help?
When you’ve been injured, the stress of dealing with an off-shore accident on your own can be overwhelming. To help lessen this burden, an attorney can take care of all legal matters regarding your case. An off-shore 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 Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an off-shore accident where you work, our Lafayette off-shore accident lawyers can help. It can be hard to focus on the details when you’re in pain. Let us handle the complexities of your injury claim so that you can 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. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
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