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LaPlace Seaman Injury Lawyer

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Attorney David Laborde | Attorney Digger Earles
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  2. LaPlace Personal Injury Lawyer
  3. LaPlace Maritime Injury Lawyer
  4. Seaman Injury
On This Page
  1. Common Causes of Maritime Accidents
  2. Federal Laws That Help After a Seaman Accident
  3. Deadlines to File
  4. How a LaPlace Seaman Injury Lawyer Can Help
  5. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
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I NEED HELP NOW

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
LaPlace Seaman Injury Lawyer

The maritime industry is the focal point of transportation for all kinds of goods worldwide. At the same time, it provides some of the most challenging jobs ever worked on the planet, occupations accompanied by hazards exclusive to the high seas that have often translated into serious maritime accidents.

If you are a seaman and have been injured on the job, you could be eligible for compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. A LaPlace seaman injury lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the uniqueness and complexity of maritime law as you seek compensation.

Common Causes of Maritime Accidents

A lot of things can lead to an accident when working on the water. Here are the most common causes of maritime injuries we see in our line of work with seamen:

  • Slips and falls
  • Toxic chemical contact, inhalation, or ingestion
  • Moving and falling objects
  • Poor ventilation in enclosed spaces
  • Lack of safety signage
  • Defective or malfunctioning equipment
  • Understaffing and negligent staffing practices
  • Bad weather and natural disasters
  • Vessel safety non-compliance
  • Unsafe personnel transfer methods
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Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.

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Federal Laws That Help After a Seaman Accident

Maritime laws in the U.S. affect all American seacraft and foreign ships operating in the U.S. Two federal laws that may weigh the heaviest on your maritime accident lawsuit are the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

The Jones Act

In most land-based jobs, you can count on workers’ compensation if you get injured on the job. However, this does not apply to maritime workers. The Jones Act gives injured seamen the authority to sue their employers directly for compensation.

If you work on any navigating sea vessel, contribute to its overall mission, and spend at least 30 percent of your working time on board, you are considered a seaman and qualify for the Jones Act.

While it can sound empowering for an accident victim, filing a civil lawsuit against your employer can be a long and tedious job. Your LaPlace seaman injury lawyer can handle all the details and explain anything you find confusing.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

If you’re a maritime worker who wouldn’t qualify as a Jones Act seaman, you may qualify for benefits under the LHWCA.

Status Test vs. Situs Test

The LHWCA is a bit more complicated than you might think. Qualifying for benefits goes beyond not being a ship captain or crew member. Crucial to your LHWCA claim is the Status and Situs tests, which you must pass before filing a claim:

The Status Test

Active engagement in maritime work is the main requirement of the Status Test. If you work for a maritime employer in a position that isn’t maritime, such as a secretary, office maintenance personnel, or security guard, you aren’t qualified to receive LHWCA benefits. Neither are:

  • Maritime workers already covered by the Jones Act
  • U.S. government and foreign government workers
  • Recreational shipbuilders and aquaculture workers
  • Marina employees not directly involved in marina construction, replacement, or expansion work
The Situs Test

The Situs Test considers the physical location where your accident occurred. To be covered by the LHWCA, your accident has to happen in or near navigable waters. Examples of sites that may qualify you for this test are marine railways, piers, dry docks, building ways, and any other structures close or adjacent to the water where vessels are loaded, unloaded or repaired. A LaPlace seaman injury lawyer can determine exactly which federal law applies to your case.

Recoverable Damages and Benefits

If you meet the Status and Situs tests, the types of LHWCA monetary benefits you could pursue as compensation range from temporary to permanent disability. If you qualify for the above benefits, they can cover all your medical expenses as long as you prove they were reasonable and necessary.

They’ll also reimburse you for your mileage and other transportation expenses incurred while receiving your treatments. If you’re no longer physically able to work at your job, the insurance company can compensate you for the loss of potential income.

CTA CTA

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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Deadlines to File

Under the Jones Act, you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date of the injury and you must report the accident to your employer within just seven days. Under the LHWCA, you must file within two years of the date of your accident and you must report it to your employer within 30 days of the accident.

CTA CTA

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

Client
Call Us - (337) 777-7777 We are here when you need us the most

How a LaPlace Seaman Injury Lawyer Can Help

Maritime Law is complex and can be complicated for someone not familiar with it. When you’re injured, in pain, and under stress, details can get hazy and you can make mistakes easily. A LaPlace seaman injury lawyer can take that stress off your shoulders and handle all the work while you rest and recover. Your lawyer can:

  • Investigate your accident and determine the responsible party
  • Gather evidence and speak to eyewitnesses
  • Work with your doctors and specialists to discover how much your future treatment could cost
  • Determine which damages you qualify for and calculate your settlement
  • Negotiate with the insurance company and your employer’s legal team
  • Keep you updated on any developments or changes in your case
  • Represent you in court if an appropriate settlement can’t be reached
CTA CTA

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

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today

At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we proudly serve the seamen and maritime workers of the LaPlace area and their families. Call today to schedule a free consultation. We can confidentially discuss your case, go over your options, and make a plan to move forward.

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Bodily Injury vs Personal Injury

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Louisiana Among States With Most Distracted Driving Deaths

Louisiana has one of the worst records for driving deaths caused by distracted drivers in the entire United States. As WGNO reports, even though overall driving deaths decreased in 2020, likely...

Deadly Crashes on the Atchafalaya Bridge

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Maritime Injury FAQ:
Can I Get Fired for Working With an Attorney? Can I Get Fired for Working With an Attorney?

If you suffered injuries in a maritime accident, you cannot get fired for working with an attorney to seek financial compensation. Seamen and longshore and harbor workers have protections under the

Who Is Covered Under the Jones Act? Who Is Covered Under the Jones Act?

The Office of Administrative Law Judges within the U.S. Department of Labor tried to answer the question of who is covered under the Jones Act? The resource explained that one must explore both the

What is Admiralty Law? What is Admiralty Law?

Admiralty law is a body of laws that govern matters related to shipping, vessels, and oceanic issues. It includes both U.S. and international laws. Also referred to as maritime law, admiralty law

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LaPlace Maritime Injury Practice Areas
  • Off-Shore Accidents
Additional Locations
  • Catahoula Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Fort Polk Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Marksville Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Gretna Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Hammond Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Jefferson Island Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Ledoux Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Erath Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Baton Rouge Seaman Injury Lawyer
  • Henderson Seaman Injury Lawyer

 

Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make a Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim in Louisiana How to Make a Diminished Value Car Insurance Claim in Louisiana
I Wasn’t in Pain at the Scene of the Accident. Is it Too Late to Sue if I’m Sore Now? I Wasn’t in Pain at the Scene of the Accident. Is it Too Late to Sue if I’m Sore Now?
What Are Common Reasons Why Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Denied? What Are Common Reasons Why Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Denied?
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Phone : (225) 777-7777

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