Off the Louisiana coast, personal and commercial watercraft are a welcome sight. From the biggest cruisers to the smallest barges, these vessels are magnificent additions to the local economy and image. However, while gazing at these ships from shore, most of us can’t tell what’s happening on board. Marksville off-shore accident lawyers know that workers on vessels face persistent risks to their health and livelihoods.
If you or a loved one gets injured in an off-shore accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your losses. You can seek damages for the medical bills, time off work, and pain and suffering caused by an off-shore incident. Reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to know more about your potential legal claim.
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.
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.
ClientHow 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 lawyer 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.
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 | ClientShould 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. Crewmembers 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 (LSHWCA) covers shipbuilders, harbor construction workers, and even dock workers from workplace injuries. Filing under The LSHWCA provides benefits for harm and injuries suffered. Consult an experienced Marksville workers’ compensation lawyer find out if you qualify to file a claim.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientDeadlines 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 (LSHWCA) 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.
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.
ClientContact 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 at (318) 310-8922 today to connect with one of our attorneys serving your area.
