Maritime workers cannot receive financial compensation for injury-related losses under the same laws as land workers. Fortunately, the Jones Act gives seamen the right to file a civil lawsuit against their employers and pursue compensation for job-related injuries.
Seamen face dangers every day, and serious injuries are not uncommon. If you or a loved one suffered an injury while working on a vessel, you may be able to recover financial compensation with help from a Louisiana Maritime injury lawyer.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our Louisiana Jones Act lawyers represent injured seamen and fight on their behalf to pursue full compensation.
Do I Qualify for Compensation Under the Jones Act?
The Jones Act applies to seamen who perform most of their work duties on a boat or ship. Our Louisana personal injury lawyers can represent anyone who has a valid claim.
Specifically, a worker must spend at least 30% of their work hours aboard a vessel in navigable waters to qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act. Fishermen, boat captains, engineers, and officers working on a vessel and deckhands are some offshore workers who qualify for Jones Act coverage. (46 U.S. Code § 30104)
Compensation for Injuries on Vessels
Working on a ship is a dangerous profession. Maritime accidents often result from slip and falls, equipment malfunctions, dangerous chemicals, falling overboard, or repetitive motions.
These injuries can bring major medical bills and lost income. If you are a seaman who suffered an injury while working, you could recover financial compensation through the Jones Act.
Employer Negligence and Compensation Under the Jones Act
The amount and type of compensation you could receive depends on the claim you pursue. If you suffered an on-the-job injury and meet the criteria of the Jones Act, you could recover compensation through a maintenance and cure claim.
This claim allows for the recovery of medical expenses and daily expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement. You do not have to prove your employer or anyone else was negligent to receive “maintenance and cure” compensation.
However, if maritime employers act negligently, you might be able to recover compensation through a negligence claim. Your employer may be negligent if:
- It did not provide a reasonably safe work environment.
- It did not use adequate care to maintain the ship or boat and keep it reasonably safe for workers.
If your employer or another employee was negligent and this negligence led to your injury, a Jones Act Attorney in Louisiana may be able to recover additional compensation.
Negligence often involves allowing a dangerous condition to go unfixed on a vessel. The following issues may be evidence of negligence:
- Malfunctioning equipment or equipment that has not been maintained properly
- Insufficient equipment for the work task performed
- Slip and fall hazards, such as spilled oil on the deck
- Insufficient employee training
- Dangerous work practices or procedures
Compensation You May Be Entitled to
If you or someone you care about got hurt while working aboard a vessel, you may have many questions: Who pays for the medical bills? What about the money I won’t make because I can’t work? What damages can be recovered in a Jones Act claim?
Injured seamen may be able to recover financial compensation for:
- Loss of income from missed work: A serious maritime injury will typically require the injured worker to take some time off work. Injured seamen may be entitled to compensation for the income and employment benefits they missed out on because of the injuries.
- Lost earning capacity: Some injured seamen cannot return to their line of work. If the injury is severe enough, they may be unable to work. The Jones Act allows for the recovery of lost earning capacity. Calculating the damage to your earning capacity is complex. Our Jones Act lawyers in Louisiana may work with financial experts to determine the extent of your financial losses and fight for adequate compensation.
- Medical expenses: Being injured on a vessel will likely result in hefty bills for medical treatment and medications. Some seamen may require rehabilitative care or medical equipment such as a wheelchair. The medical bills associated with these expenses may be reimbursable.
- Injury–related medical needs (current and future): If you require ongoing medical care, such as follow-up appointments, you can include these future medical costs in your claim.
- Pain and suffering: You could be compensated for your physical, psychological, and emotional pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Our maritime injury attorneys can help you pursue the maximum compensation possible.
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.
ClientWhy Work With Our Louisiana Jones Act Lawyers?
If you were hurt aboard a vessel in navigation, you should focus on recovering from your injuries, not dealing with a complicated and frustrating legal claim. Let our Jones Act attorneys in Louisiana handle the legal paperwork, evidence gathering, negotiations, and damages calculations for you.
Our Louisiana-based legal team can provide the legal representation you need. We will work to negotiate a settlement that covers your past and future injury-related expenses. However, if we cannot settle your case, our team can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Our Case Results Speak for Themselves
Our experienced attorneys have obtained millions of dollars for injured clients at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. We work to maximize recovery for our clients and get them every penny they should receive. We have secured multiple impressive settlements and verdicts, including:
- An $8,000,000 settlement for a maritime worker injured offshore
- A $5,500,000 payout for a maritime worker hurt on the job
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 | ClientLet Our Louisiana Jones Act Attorneys Help You
When marine employees suffer injuries on the job as a result of negligence or their own actions, knowledge of the Jones Act is important as it provides them with crucial legal recourse. Our Maritime attorneys have a complete understanding of the Jones Act and know how to help you.
If you are a seaman who got hurt on the job, you could pursue financial recovery through the Jones Act. We can gather evidence of injuries and negligence, build a strong case on your behalf, and fight to get you the compensation you need.
Our law firm has a reputation for getting results for our clients, and we intend to keep that reputation going strong. Let us help you take legal action. Call our office today for a free consultation to get started on exploring your legal options.
