Causes of Off-Shore Accidents in Marksville, Louisiana

Workers in vessels or off-shore oil rigs know that their jobs are riskier than most. They often work around deep waters and usually at great heights. They are careful to avoid situations that might cause severe injuries as they work. The top causes of off-shore injuries include:

  • Transportation Incidents: As they travel or work off-shore, workers find themselves face to face with the forces of nature. Strong winds and unpredictable waves can wash away aircraft and small vessels taking them to work.
  • Machine Failures: Machines are central to most off-shore operations. Whether it’s the turbines that keep ships afloat or the motor drills on oil rigs, engines are running constantly. Inadequate training and poor maintenance can make these risks a reality with dire effects for those working.
  • Explosions & Fires: Whether transporting or mining, off-shore systems host all kinds of flammable material. In 2010, one of the most severe explosions in history (the Deepwater Horizon explosion) occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. This single accident led to 11 deaths and 17 nonfatal injuries. The case highlighted why workers need legal protection against the corporations hiring them.
  • Slips & Falls: Vessel owners must exercise the duty of care by doing all they can to protect their workers. However, failure to keep surfaces dry or use barriers around vessels can lead to dangerous slips and falls. Workers who fall off-shore can suffer serious injuries ranging from broken bones to hypothermia, and even death from drowning.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

How a Marksville Off-Shore Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Off-shore accidents happen because of many factors and acts of God. In many cases though, accidents occur due to the negligence of average people. Injured parties maintain a right to hold the ‘at-fault’ party liable for their roles in the accident’s occurrence. Your Marksville off-shore accident attorney can help you trace the causes of the accident to find the liable party. Your attorney will undertake several significant functions as they represent you, including:

  • Conduct Investigations: Proving your case for injury compensation rests on proving the at-fault party’s negligence. Your lawyer will use all the evidence from the accident, expert testimonies, and witness accounts to verify the facts of the case. Their diligence will show why you deserve compensation and a fair amount.
  • Initiate Negotiations: Once both parties know the facts of the case, the claims process allows for pre-court negotiations. Many cases settle before ever seeing the inside of a courtroom.
  • Handle Litigation: In some cases, off-shore accident lawsuits proceed to the court system. If you hire a Laborde Earles Injury Lawyer, we will utilize our knowledge to present strong arguments to the court.

Should I File Under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act?

When representing yourself in an off-shore injury claim, you might not understand all of the laws that apply to your circumstances. If you consult with attorneys from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can help you determine the laws that apply to your case and injuries.

File Under the Jones Act if You are a Seaman: A seaman is anyone that works on a vessel for a specified amount of time. Crew members and captains qualify as seamen if they spend at least 30% of their time on vessels, completing assigned duties. 

If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to file under the Jones Act. You may be entitled to any damages incurred from injury while working on a vessel. File Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act if You Don’t Qualify as a Seaman: The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) covers shipbuilders, harbor construction workers, and even dock workers from workplace injuries. Filing under The LHWCA provides benefits for harm and injuries suffered. Consult an experienced Marksville workers’ compensation lawyer find out if you qualify to file a claim.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go throu...

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go through. They checked in on us to see how things were going with DR appointment and therapy. They checked in on the phone or by text and if I had a question and I was in Lafayette and I would stop by the office one of them would come to answer my questions. I truly appreciate the response and respect that they showed to me and my husband and I would really recommend them to family and friends.

H
Hazel G.

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in ...

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in making you feel heard and cared for. And, she’s, like, really pretty!

S
Sylvia Roy

New Iberia

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!

J
Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

M
Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

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.

S
Stephan C.

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!

T
Tracie M.

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had ...

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had our best interest and our well being as a priority. I would recommend them to friends and family. My case had some extenuating circumstances and they both worked diligently to help us. I am very thankful for their service and dedication to us.

M
Michel Lanclos

New Orleans

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!

m
maddie jo

Marksville

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve h...

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve had with her has been positive — she takes the time to explain things clearly and makes the process much less stressful. Laborde Earles Law Firm is lucky to have someone like Jourdan on their team. I would highly recommend both Jourdan and the firm to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable legal support.

M
Matt Picard

New Orleans

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Deadlines for Filing an Off-Shore Injury Claim

Timely filing protects a victim’s rights from being denied by their employer. If you hire a Marksville maritime injury attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’ll make sure your claim is formalized within the time limits.

The deadline for reporting an injury under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) is thirty (30) days after the accident date. You should file within 30 days to be eligible for compensation.

The statute of limitations for the Jones Act is three (3) years. While the time limit is longer for seamen, filing early makes settling that much faster and allows attorneys time to investigate the accident to prove your compensation claim.

branded accent

Contact a Marksville Offshore Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Legal help can be expensive, but at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we believe that all workers deserve the best representation. We offer free consultation and assistance to ensure that you get the best chances for compensation.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an off-shore accident, you can trust that our firm will fight hard for your claim. Contact us today to connect with one of our attorneys serving your area.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article
big rig car accident

Blog $1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

When it comes to being injured in a car accident, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between getting $1,400,000 in 9 months i...

Read Full Article
mardi gras beads

Blog Safety Tips to Help Stay Safe During Your Mardi Gras Celebration

Mardi Gras is a grand and celebratory holiday filled with parades, live music, picnics, and much more. From the crazy costumes to the colorf...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(318) 310-8922
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (318) 310-8922.