Seamen’s Rights Under Federal Law

Though sailors and other maritime employees are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance policies, they are not barred from collecting compensation through other means. Unlike most injured employees, maritime workers have the unique ability to sue their employer directly for injury-related losses.

46 U.S.C. 30104, which is part of the Jones Act, explicitly allows injured seamen to seek legal action for injuries they sustained on the job. Though the statute specifically names seamen, the term in this context includes any individual who works primarily in navigable waters, including rivers, oceans, and lakes.

Generally, any seaman’s injury that occurred while performing work duties is compensable, even if the ship was docked. However, an injured party may still benefit from discussing a potential claim with their Lafayette sailor injury attorney. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

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sail boat

Common Compensable Ship Injuries

Despite best intentions and safe practices, injuries can and will happen on ships and docks alike. From rough weather to dangerous cargo, working on a boat carries many hazards, any of which can easily cause injuries.

Whether an injury occurred due to another’s actions, dangerous circumstances, or even an injured party’s negligence, harmed seamen may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against their employer under the Jones Act. Any injury that requires medical care and results in time lost at work could lead to potential compensation. Damages available under the Jones Act generally include losses incurred as a result of an injury, such as medical costs or the value of lost wages. However, a dedicated lawyer may also be able to help injured Lafayette seamen demand payments for emotional trauma. No matter what compensation an individual chooses to pursue, a legal advocate could work with a potential plaintiff to evaluate their losses and help prepare a claim for filing.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go throu...

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go through. They checked in on us to see how things were going with DR appointment and therapy. They checked in on the phone or by text and if I had a question and I was in Lafayette and I would stop by the office one of them would come to answer my questions. I truly appreciate the response and respect that they showed to me and my husband and I would really recommend them to family and friends.

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Hazel G.

Courtney Marsh has a positive attitude and great attention to detail in her work!

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Rhonda C.

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the...

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the entire process. He was always patient, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions I had. What stood out most was how genuinely he cared. He made sure I understood every step and always made me feel supported and informed.

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Jaine Fisher

Lafayette

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

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Matt Picard

New Orleans

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

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Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had ...

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Michel Lanclos

New Orleans

Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attor...

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Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

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Sarah Jorden

Marksville

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

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Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

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Sandi W.

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...

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Rosann Roberts

Lake Charles

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R.S.

Lafayette

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

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She catches things most people would overlook, and she always makes sure every document is perfect before it leaves her hands.
Beyond her incredible skill set, Bridgette is also kind, reliable, and a true team player. She communicates clearly, stays organized under pressure, and goes above and beyond to make sure clients and attorneys alike feel supported.
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If you're lucky enough to have Bridgette as your paralegal, you're in the best possible hands. Five stars isn't enough for someone this exceptional!

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Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

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...

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Megan C.

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly a...

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Courtnie Heltz

New Orleans

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!

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Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

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! ...

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skylar bachman

New Iberia

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

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Mimi

Lake Charles

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are gua...

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Baton Rouge

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...

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Stephan C.

Trudy Dupuy is a wonderful asset to the team. She does an amazing job.

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Annabelle D.

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,...

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New Orleans

Eryn Laughlin is a good employee, we love her!

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anonymous

Car Accident

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

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Marksville

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

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jazlynn meece

Baton Rouge

Michelle Brouillette is a wonderful addition to the Laborde Earles team.

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Melanie B.

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and ...

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His attention to detail, strong communication, and genuine dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. Derek went above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome, and I’m truly grateful for his hard work.

If you’re looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, reliable, and truly cares about his clients, Derek Hebert is an outstanding choice.

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Lafayette

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Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

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Tracie M.

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Lisa S.

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Lisa G.

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions ...

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Gail

Baton Rouge

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maddie jo

Marksville

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

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Tracie Martin

Alexandria

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

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kelly

Lake Charles

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

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Tori E.

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

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Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

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Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - professional and always on top of everything. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made sure I understood every step along the way. My case was resolved better than expected. I can’t thank them enough.

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Melody Johnson

New Orleans

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in ...

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in making you feel heard and cared for. And, she’s, like, really pretty!

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Sylvia Roy

New Iberia

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Iberia Parish Seaman Injury Lawyer

Protection Under the Merchant Marine Act

Commonly referred to as the Jones Act, this law was created in 1920 to govern liability for vessel operators and employers with maritime workers. Since it is a federal law, all seaman injuries fall under the same liability standards throughout the entire United States. For example, under 46 U.S.C. § 30104, seaman have the right to sue their employers if they are injured at work. Furthermore, they can file the lawsuit in state or federal district court, and they can choose a jury trial.

It is essential to understand that this act is not the same as worker’s compensation. Without filing a lawsuit, maintenance and cure payments are not guaranteed to an injured seaman. However, if the seaman can prove negligence on the part of their employer, then they may be able to hold vessel owners, operators, officers, and even fellow employees accountable under the law. For more information about the Jones Act, contact a knowledgeable lawyer.

Who Qualifies as a Seaman Under the Jones Act?

A seaman is someone who does the majority of their work on a ship or a boat of any type. Part-time seaman must spend a minimum of 30 percent of their working hours in a vessel to be covered under the Jones Act.

Additionally, the vessel a seaman is assigned to must be afloat, in operation, capable of moving (not necessarily moving at the time), and on navigable waters. The Jones Act also specifies that a seaman must be contributing to the work of the vessel. Injured workers may want to seek the counsel of a qualified Iberia Parish seaman injury attorney to find out how the Jones Act applies to their case.

Jones Act Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Generally, the Jones Act provides up to three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Exceptions to this rule include seaman on vessels that are owned, operated, or contracted by the federal government. An injured seaman who wants to pursue legal remedies will want to consult with a seaman injury lawyer in Iberia Parish to make sure a case is filed on time.

Speak with a Lafayette Seaman Injury Attorney Today

Even seemingly safe positions on ships could introduce employees to hazards, and accidents on these vessels can have long-lasting effects on an employee and their family. For this reason, it may be beneficial for injured parties to seek financial recovery for their losses through the Jones Act.

If you were hurt in a maritime accident, you may not wish to add the stress of a lawsuit to an already unwelcome situation. However, a Lafayette seaman injury lawyer could streamline the process by providing personalized guidance and support. A strong legal advocate may assist with gathering evidence, calculating the value of your losses, and preparing to file a lawsuit. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more and discuss any potential claims.

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