The maritime industry is both physically demanding and very dangerous. Injuries often occur on boats and ships, especially during long trips. Off-shore accidents in the maritime industry can result in life-changing injuries such as amputation, paralysis, or even death for the seamen and maritime workers involved.
If you or your loved one has been injured on the job or suffered a sea accident that has left you with debilitating injuries, then you may be entitled to compensation. A Maxie seaman injury lawyer can help.
Seaman Injuries—Where do They Come From?
Many maritime injuries result from the negligence or recklessness of a shipowner or crew member. But along with negligence, there are other causes behind these unfortunate accidents. Some injuries at sea can be caused by the following:
- Equipment failure
- Machinery breakdown
- Human error
- Slip and fall accidents
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Lack of training
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Lack of safety signage
- Lack of appropriate safety gear
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Federal Laws that Protect Seamen and Maritime Workers
Several federal laws exist to help injured seamen and maritime workers to pursue compensation for everything they’ve gone through.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act exists to protect seamen injured while working. However, there are some requirements you must meet to make use of the Jones Act. The Jones Act only covers seamen actively working in a navigable vessel at sea (this could include an oil rig as long as it has some form of onboard navigation, and it isn’t stationary).
The Jones Act covers seamen aboard ships, tugs, fishing boats, and any number of active vessels. Your job must contribute to the vessel’s overall mission for you to qualify under the Jones Act. In addition, you must spend at least 30 percent of your working hours onboard the vessel.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that covers maritime workers who don’t fit the description of a seaman and wouldn’t qualify for the Jones Act. The LHWCA provides compensation, medical treatment, and rehabilitation services for maritime workers who are injured on navigable waters or adjoining areas, including wharves, piers, docks, and shipping terminals, and covers shipbuilders, shipbreakers, ship repairers, stevedores, dockworkers, harbor workers, dockers, and shipping terminal employees.
Time Frame to File Your Claim in Maxie
Injured workers should file claims as soon as possible after an accident occurs. The deadlines involved in Jones Act lawsuits or LHWCA injury claims are taken very seriously. Missing any of them could result in losing your rights to seek compensation.
Under the LHWCA, you must file your injury claim within the year of the date of the accident and notify your employer of the injury within 30 days. Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit, but only seven days after the injury to notify your employer of the accident. A Maxie seaman injury lawyer can help make sure everything is filed on time.
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How Can a Maxie Seaman Injury Lawyer Help?
When you’re injured while working on or around the water, a Maxie seaman injury lawyer can do a lot to help with your injury claim, including:
- Investigating your accident to determine what happened and who is responsible
- Gathering evidence and talking to eyewitnesses to build a solid case
- Explaining anything you find confusing
- Filing all relevant paperwork properly and on time
- Working with your doctor to find out the extent of your injuries and how much they might cost to treat over time
- Adding up all of the damages you qualify for and coming up with an appropriate settlement amount
- Negotiating with your employer’s attorneys and the insurance company
- Representing you in court if a settlement can’t be reached
Maritime law is complex and ever-changing. When you’re injured and in pain, it can be hard to focus on details and easy to make costly mistakes. Your Maxie seaman injury lawyer can handle all of the legwork of your injury claim so you can rest and focus on healing from your injuries, knowing there is someone on your side, working on your behalf.
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Experience You Can Trust
Seaman injury lawyers know the ins and outs of the maritime industry and how to go about cases like yours. They also know the laws related to maritime claims and can help you navigate the process of suing your employer in a Jones Act suit or filing an LHWCA injury claim.
Our firm is available by phone 24 hours a day, so we can be available whether your injury takes place during the day or even in the middle of the night. After an injury, we understand the desire to simply get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.
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What Kinds of Damages Can My Lawyer and I Pursue?
Depending on the specifics of your case, you and your Maxie seaman injury lawyer could claim damages like these after your injury:
- Hospital Bills
- Physical Therapy
- Lost wages while out of work to recover
- Reduced potential income after a disability
- In-home care
- Medications
- MRIs and other tests
- X-rays and labs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Personal property damage
Can I Afford a Lawyer in Maxie?
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand the aftermath of a bad maritime accident can be one of the worst experiences of your life – physically, emotionally, and financially. We know that every dollar is important, especially right now.
This is one of the reasons that our seaman injury lawyers in Maxie work on a contingency basis. This means you won’t have to worry about paying anything upfront. If we win and you receive compensation, your lawyer will simply take his or her legal fees out of a percentage of your total settlement package. If we lose, you don’t owe us anything. No hidden costs. No surprise charges.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
After an injury, seamen face challenges like whether to file for damages and where to find a good lawyer. We’re here for you and can handle your case with professionalism and care. Contact an attorney serving in Maxie today to schedule your free consultation.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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