A thrilling career as a seaman has many attractions, one of which is that the pay is usually quite good. However, with all of this adventure comes a high risk of accidents. The injuries sustained in an off-shore accident can be severe.
Residents of Ledoux who get in an accident while working as a seaman can get legal help from a Ledoux seaman injury lawyer. An attorney from our firm can help you pursue compensation for all of your injuries and the ways they’ve affected your life.
Common Seaman Accidents
- Falling overboard into the water, causing impact injuries, hypothermia, or even drowning
- Slips and falls from equipment left lying around or improperly stowed gear
- Slippery decks or platforms
- Strain injuries from performing repetitive tasks at work
- Burns from electrical fires or exposure to toxic chemicals
- Working in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation
- Working long hours without proper rest or mandated breaks
- Missing signs, railings, or gratings
- A lack of proper safety equipment
- Accidents with heavy machinery or compressed air
For a free legal consultation with a seaman injury lawyer serving Ledoux, call (337) 777-7777
What Kinds of Damages Can my Lawyer and I Pursue?
There are a lot of damages you could recover. Some of the damages that you and your Ledoux seaman injury lawyer can claim include:
- Loss of wages during your recovery
- Loss of potential earnings because of a long-term disability
- Hospital Bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Labs, X-Rays, MRIs, and other tests
- Medication
- Mental health therapy
Ledoux Seaman Injury Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
The Jones Act
The Jones Act, also called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, was enacted to give injured seaman a chance to sue their employers directly for compensation. To qualify as a Jones Act seaman, you must work onboard a navigating vessel (an oil rig counts as long as it has some form of controllable navigation), contribute to the overall mission of the vessel, and spend at least 30 percent of your working hours onboard.
Statute of Limitations
Jones Act cases have strict deadlines that are taken very seriously. Missing any of them could mean giving up your right to seek any compensation. Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years from the date of your accident to file your lawsuit. (If your injuries surfaced after the accident, you have three years from the date your injuries appeared.) This legal time limit is called a “statute of limitations.”
Under the Jones Act, you also must report the accident to your employer within just seven days of the accident. This is a very short window of time, which makes it one of the most important steps in a Jones Act case. Your Lawtell seaman injury lawyer can help make sure all paperwork relevant to your case is file properly and on time.
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Can I Afford a Seaman Injury Lawyer in Ledoux?
Many people are reluctant to hire representation because they believe it will be too expensive. However, at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand that the aftermath of an off-shore accident can be one of the worst experiences of your life, physically, emotionally, and financially.
This is just one of the reasons our seaman injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that our fees only come from a percentage of your total settlement package. You pay nothing until we win or settle your case. This can be a very cost-effective option that saves you the stress of additional expenses when you have enough on your plate.
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How Can a Ledoux Seaman Injury Lawyer Help?
A lawyer can do a lot for a seaman injury case. Some of the things your lawyer can do for you include:
1. Evaluate Your Case
This involves deciding on the best strategy to take. Every lawsuit is different. Your lawyer can choose a strategy to move forward that best fits your claim.
2. File a Claim on Your Behalf
Your lawyer can take care of all the paperwork for you. This includes submitting your case to the court and dealing with any legal proceedings that may arise.
3. Investigate Your Accident
Your lawyer can investigate your accident to find out what caused your injuries, who was at fault, and how to best prove it.
4. Gather Relevant Evidence
To help you build your case, your lawyer may collect:
- Police reports
- Any eyewitness statements
- Photographs and/or videos of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Crew data
- Safety management information
5. Identify Who’s Liable
Showing where liability lies can sometimes be complicated. Often the blame for your accident can be shared among various parties. Your lawyer can demonstrate who is liable and how much blame lies with different parties.
6. Negotiate Your Settlement
Your lawyer can handle all negotiations with the insurance companies and attorneys representing the defending parties. It is often in the insurance company’s best interests to settle out of court. This is often preferable to a lengthy court battle. Your lawyer can work to get you the best possible settlement.
7. Handle All Communications
Your lawyer can keep on top of your case and deal with all correspondence and phone calls. This could leave you free to rest and focus on recovering from your injuries.
7. Represent You in Court
If the insurance company refuses to settle, your lawyer can take your case to trial and represent you to the end.
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Talking to a Ledoux seaman injury lawyer from our firm comes with no upfront costs or charges. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve the seaman of the Ledoux area and their families. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
