While vital to Louisiana’s economy, the maritime industry contains many hazards and dangers for those working in it. Employees face the daily risk of offshore accidents and personal injury by simply doing their jobs. Many of these brave individuals live right here in the Lake Charles area.
You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has been involved in an offshore accident. A Lake Charles maritime injury lawyer will help you with an injury claim and provide solid legal guidance every step of the way. Call us to schedule a free initial consultation.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act, also called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that permits injured seamen to sue their negligent employer directly for compensation. So if you’re a seaman who has suffered injuries in an offshore work accident, you could file a claim against your employer based on this policy.
However, you must take various steps and meet the specific requirements. Before filing a lawsuit, you should report the incident to your employer. Under the Jones Act, you only have seven days to do this after the event. Your lawyer may be present for this if you wish.
After receiving medical care, some other precautions you should take include:
- Capture images of your injuries before and after treatment
- Get a detailed medical report
- Request a copy of the accident report
- Keep copies of all documentation
Remember, only seamen qualify to sue under the Jones Act. This means you must work onboard a navigable vessel and spend at least 30% of your time onboard. A Lake Charles offshore accident lawyer will determine if you qualify for the Jones Act and answer all your questions about your case.
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The Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
If you are an offshore worker who doesn’t fit the requirements of a Jones Act seaman, you may still claim compensation for your work accident injuries.
Your attorney can use the Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) to seek reimbursement for damages sustained when working on or near navigable waters.
The LHWCA covers harbor workers, dockworkers, shipbreakers, some oil rig workers, and those employed in loading and unloading vessels.
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How a Lake Charles Offshore Accident Lawyer Can Help
Maritime accidents are unfortunately not uncommon and can occur in various circumstances. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) reported two fatalities and 164 injuries in 2021. The leading causes were identified as lifting and fires. Regardless of the type of accident that caused your injury, a legal professional will protect your rights.
A Lake Charles personal injury lawyer will assist you in many ways as you pursue compensation. Some ways our legal team can help include:
- Informing your insurer about the accident
- Securing any footage of the incident through a court order
- Filing your injury case within the statute of limitations
- Assessing non-economic damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies and your employer’s legal team
- Representing you during meetings
- Compiling evidence
- Providing case updates
- Answering your questions and explaining anything you’re confused about
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Damages You Could Seek After a Lake Charles Maritime Accident
You can claim various damages after sustaining injuries in a Lake Charles accident. Your lawyer will study the case to identify the damages you qualify for and assign a monetary value to your losses.
One type of damage your attorney will help you seek is medical costs. This may include the cost of hospital stays, medication, nursing care, consultation fees, and assistive medical devices. The compensation you pursue in medical expenses will depend on the extent and severity of the injuries and how they’ve affected your life.
Another type of damage a Lake Charles lawyer may seek to recover on your behalf is lost income and wages. This injury will apply if you miss work during the recovery period. More damages your lawyer could seek are:
- Property damage
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Reduced quality of life
- Rehabilitative care
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
Maritime Accidents and PTSD
Offshore accidents can be traumatizing experiences and lead to various mental health issues. For example, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and experience disturbing flashbacks after the event. In addition, the incident could trigger anxiety, making it challenging to use water vessels in your future career.
An attorney will evaluate the effects of a Lake Charles offshore accident on your mental health. After that, they will determine the cost of the treatment and add that amount to your potential settlement.
Wrongful Death Damages
You could seek compensation if a loved one passes after a Lake Charles offshore accident. An attorney from our firm will gently guide you through the legal side of this very difficult time. Some wrongful death damages we could help you pursue include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Grief
- Loss of consortium
- Burial and funeral costs
- Final medical expenses
- Lost income
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Can I Afford a Lake Charles Offshore Accident Lawyer?
At our personal injury law firm, we understand that whether you’ve lost a loved one or been injured in an offshore accident yourself, the aftermath of such traumatic events can be among the most difficult experiences of your life.
Unexpected injuries often come with unexpected medical bills. But, with everything you’ve been through, you should not have to worry about your financial security.
This is one of the reasons our offshore accident lawyers in Lake Charles, LA, work on a contingency basis. If we win and you receive compensation, your lawyer will take their legal fees out of a percentage of your total settlement package. If we lose, you don’t owe us anything.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
At Laborde Earles, we proudly serve the maritime workers in Louisiana. Our offshore accident attorneys in Lake Charles, LA, will handle your claim while you rest and heal.
Contact our personal injury law firm today to schedule a free case review. By contacting us, you take the first step towards protecting your career and rebuilding your life.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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