What Is the Jones Act?

When most people get hurt on the job, they cannot sue their boss directly. They have to go through the workers’ compensation insurance system. Maritime workers in Louisiana, however, proceed under the Jones Act, instead. The Jones Act allows them to file a lawsuit against their employer for their injuries and losses.

A maritime spinal cord injury attorney in Lake Charles, LA can help you file your injury claim. Legal actions are complex and can add to the stress of recovery. Your employer will almost certainly have lawyers of their own defending them against your claim. You should not have to go up against them by yourself.

An offshore spinal cord injury lawyer could help you even if you work on or around a maritime vessel that travels over rivers, lakes, or other navigable waters, not just on oceans. You would likely qualify for protection under the Jones Act in those situations. An experienced offshore accident lawyer in Lake Charles can help determine whether you qualify.

Mayo Clinic Information About Spinal Cord Injuries

The Mayo Clinic explains that spinal cord injuries could change your life permanently. When you suffer damage to any level of your spinal cord or to the nerves beneath the spinal canal, the injury often changes how you can move your body and how you feel sensations below the level of the wound.

Paralysis is one of the most common consequences of damage to the spinal cord. If you still have some ability to control your movement or feel sensations below the point of the injury, you have incomplete paralysis. Complete paralysis is when a person loses all of their feeling and ability to control their motor function below the level of the spinal cord injury.

What Our Law Firm Can Do for Your Lake Charles Maritime Spinal Cord Injury Case

After suffering a life-changing wound like spinal cord damage, the last thing you need to do is handle your own injury claim or lawsuit. We can do the heavy lifting for you so that you can get the rest that you need to recuperate to the best extent possible. Also, when we take care of your case, you can save your energy for the medical issues you are now facing.

Here are some examples of the tasks you will not have to do if we handle your Lake Charles maritime spinal cord injury case:

  • Investigate the accident that injured you.
  • Determine the appropriate party or parties to sue for your injuries.
  • Draft your injury claim or lawsuit papers and file them for you.
  • Work directly with the insurance company of the defendant to provide them with the information they need to calculate the financial value of your injury claim.
  • Negotiate with the liability insurer and try to reach a fair settlement of your claim.
    Take the case to trial if it does not settle out of court.

Our personal injury lawyers in Lake Charles, LA, perform countless other tasks on behalf of clients. We tailor our activities to the unique needs of each client’s case.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

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...

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. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

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Tracie Martin

Alexandria

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other thing...

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other things. Her detailed skills are very delightful. She goes out of her way to check on us, make sure we don't have any questions, and she is always on point. She moves very quick and always goes above and beyond for us to make sure we understand the process. I am so glad I ran into Laborde Earles and Alexis. Everyone will know about this company for sure and Alexis

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R.S.

Lafayette

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica wa...

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. She took the time to explain each step of the process, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and made sure I always felt supported and informed.
Her dedication and attention to detail were clear throughout, and it was evident she genuinely cared about achieving the best possible outcome. Thanks to Erica’s hard work and expertise, my case went smoothly and successfully.
I highly recommend Erica Ducote to anyone in need of a skilled, reliable, and compassionate paralegal. She truly goes above and beyond!

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maddie jo

Marksville

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...

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 attorney who is extremely knowledgeable and you'll never doubt that he'll get the job done!

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Kaitlin H.

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 ...

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 and concerns, and her professionalism was top notch. Her phone etiquette, and calm and caring attitude was outstanding.

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Gail

Baton Rouge

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

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

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Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) which is always a breath of fresh air to be around someone who is genuine. She's a doll and anyone who comes into contact with her is a lucky one!

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Hannah Johnson

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...

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 Toxic Water Claim. Mr. John Chaillot has been instrumental in advising me on documentation, timelines, and all matters pertaining to my case. A true professional and appreciated. Thank you.

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Stephan C.

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...

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 quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

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kelly

Lake Charles

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How Contingency Fees Work in Spinal Cord Damage Cases

Please do not let concerns about legal fees prevent you from working with an offshore spinal cord injury attorney. You will not have to pay us any upfront or hourly legal fees during your case. We use a contingency fee arrangement on these injury claims. That means that at the end of the case, our fees get paid out of the settlement or court award, and only as at a previously agreed percentage, no matter how hard we worked on your case.

We are proud of our strict no-fee guarantee. If you do not win, you do not have to pay us any attorney fees.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

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Recoverable Damages in Lake Charles Maritime Spinal Cord Damage Accidents

The amount and types of monetary damages you could recover for your injuries after suffering spinal cord damage in a maritime accident in the Lake Charles, Louisiana, area will vary, depending on your individual facts. There is no flat rate of recoverable damages in these cases.

Typically, people can pursue a claim for damages like these from the at-fault party:

  • Medical bills for the treatment they needed for their wounds.
  • Ongoing medical procedures, like surgeries and physical therapy.
  • Long-term care costs if they can no longer live independently because of spinal cord damage.
  • Lost wages for the time they had to spend away from work because of their wounds.
  • Future lost wages if they can no longer make as much money as before because of their injuries.
  • Pain and suffering damages for the inconvenience, emotional distress, and physical discomfort of their injuries.

We might be able to seek additional compensation for the family if your loved one died from spinal cord injuries from a maritime accident.

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What You Need to Know About Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations

In cases in which the person who suffered a Lake Charles maritime spinal cord injury decides to proceed with a lawsuit against the negligent party, they need to talk to a Lake Charles boating accident lawyer as soon as possible. If you wait too long to take legal action, your right to seek compensation can go away forever.

In Louisiana, CC 3493.1 limits you to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your close relative died from a maritime accident, CC Art. 2315.2 gives you only two years to file the wrongful death lawsuit. After the statute of limitations, also called the filing deadline, expires, Louisiana law will bar you from pursuing a claim for compensation. The insurance company will not settle with you at that point.

How to Get Started on Your Maritime Spinal Cord Injury Case

Founded in 2014, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has more than 350 years of combined personal injury experience. If you want to help from a maritime spinal cord injury attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana on your injury case, please reach out to us today.

We would be happy to talk to you. We do not charge for the initial consultation, and there is no obligation. Come find out why Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has earned the title of “Louisiana Attorneys That Care.”

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