Because of the risky nature of a longshoreman’s job, all workers must always be cautious and vigilant, yet this is not always the case. When operating large machinery and transporting heavy cargo in regularly shifting weather conditions, all it takes is a moment of distraction or wrongdoing for things to end badly.
Have you been hurt while working as a longshoreman in New Iberia and need assistance filing a legal suit? Our New Iberia longshoreman injury lawyer can help you determine your next steps and outline any compensatory benefits associated with your maritime injury case. You can call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to help.
A Louisiana Law Firm Devoted to You, on Land or At Sea
When filing an injury lawsuit, you must have a clear state of mind, prepare to make challenging decisions, file any necessary paperwork, research legalities and state laws to see what applies to your case, formulate a strategy and a plan of action, and be ready to deal with the lawyer of who you’re suing. No one is willing to take on such a task immediately after being injured in an accident. Even mild injuries can affect sufferers’ minds or produce long-term disorientation.
Few people are ready to deal with everything that comes with a personal injury case because of their circumstances. Regrettably, you should submit a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit as soon as possible since you will have additional financial obligations to address. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand what you’re going through and can offer guidance that could benefit your case.
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 Our New Iberia Longshoreman Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Case
Our firm’s injury attorneys have handled many cases and pooled together more than 100 years of combined experience to bring you a team ready to tackle all the responsibilities that encompass your situation. We know the state and federal laws and how the process works; all you need to do is tell us your case and focus on recovering.
We will inform you of your options, safeguard your rights, investigate on your behalf to determine fault, determine the worth of your settlement, negotiate with insurance, and help you through the entire process. We care about our clients and will do everything possible to help you.
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 | ClientNew Iberia Longshoremen Are Entitled to Receive the Same Recovery as Other Claimants
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that allows longshoremen and other maritime workers to receive financial relief if they suffer injuries in an accident during work hours. This is significant since offshore workers do not have access to the worker’s compensation coverage that people in other professions do. This is distinct from a personal injury claim, which can be filed concurrently with this claim under the Jones Act.
If filing an LHWCA claim as a longshoreman, you are entitled to the following:
- Ongoing medical coverage and care
- Reimbursement for lost income and the inability to work
- Rehabilitation and therapy
If you file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your LHWCA claim, you are entitled to financial losses and damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life. To be eligible for this compensation, you must demonstrate misbehavior on the part of your employer or other individuals. Speaking with an experienced New Iberia workers’ compensation lawyer is the best way to understand your options for collecting damages.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act, not to be confused with the LHWCA, is a law that allows maritime workers to pursue legal action against at-fault parties responsible for their work-related injuries associated with on-site accidents.
Another distinct aspect of this law is that it allows seamen (crew members and ship leaders) the right to file personal injury claims. They are exempt from the benefits of the LHWCA, but through the Jones Act, they can seek financial recovery after an accident.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientLouisiana Residents Have a Limited Window of Opportunity to Take Legal Action
The time you have to file a personal injury case for compensation in Louisiana is generally two years from your injury date, per CC 3493.1. Furthermore, if you file a claim under the LHWCA, you must report the injury within 30 days of the accident. If you do not, your opportunity to receive reimbursement may be in jeopardy. Our New Iberia longshoreman injury lawyer can advise you of the timelines and deadlines applicable to your case.
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.
ClientInvestigating At-Fault Parties Associated With Your Offshore Accident
As a longshoreman, you operate as part of a team working aboard a docked vessel, typically transporting commercial goods. As you are under your employer’s contract, they are responsible for any injuries you may receive during your employment. However, this also means that even one individual’s negligence or failure to follow protocol can jeopardize other workers’ lives.
LHWCA claims do not require you to assign blame, but if you file a personal injury claim, you must demonstrate that the injury was caused by negligent or otherwise improper activity.
Our attorneys will work with you to investigate the accident and identify all culpable parties involved in your case, as well as hold them accountable.
Testimonials From Our Clients
We’ve created a reputation as a firm that cares, and we believe that our past clients’ testimonials reflect that. Some clients have shared the following:
- “Communication response time is excellent! Lark Landry took the time to explain everything and answered all my questions patiently.” – Crystal Maturin
- “My experience with Ms. Brooks and Keshia has been a great one Just keep up the good work and my God continue to bless yall God said what you make happen for someone else He will make happen for you God bless yall O I don’t want to leave miah out she is doing a great job answering the phone when I call.” – Camme Viree
- “I would definitely recommend Laborde Earles to friends and family. Larke, Keana, and Maya made everything easy for me. They made me feel at ease.” -Linda Howard
- “I want to give a big thank you to Alexis she is a awesome lawyer she handled me and my daughter case she is the best she goes above and beyond for her clients.” -Cevina Smith
Our New Iberia Longshoreman Injury Lawyers Are Standing by to Take Your Case
We are ready to review your case. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers provides free case reviews and can take your case 24 hours a day, 365 days two years. We also offer our initial services to you at no charge. We work on contingency, so we do not collect any payment from you unless we recover compensation for you.
You may not be able to resume your maritime duties immediately, but you won’t have to worry about how you’ll pay your bills. Let us assist you in getting back on your feet and, if possible, back to work.
