Offshore workers face many risks in the course of their employment. Injuries resulting from offshore accidents range from mild to serious. Severe injuries can leave you with a permanent disability, affecting the quality of your life. Offshore injuries can also be fatal.
If you have suffered an offshore injury in New Iberia, we can help you file a claim for compensation. Your New Iberia offshore accident lawyer can help you navigate the process of recovering damages.
Common Off-Shore Injuries and Their Causes
You may experience a variety of offshore accident injuries. You may lose a limb to an offshore accident. Such a significant injury will alter the course of your life. Your hand can get trapped in the various equipment used in your line of work. If your limb gets amputated, you may get a prosthetic. Back injuries occur frequently in offshore accidents. Slipping and falling on a hard surface can result in back injury.
In some cases, the victim may fall from a high spot making the injury even worse. Spinal cord injuries are a more severe form of back injuries. In the long recovery time, you may need to stay off work. You can receive compensation for the income you lose as a result of an offshore injury. Back injuries may also lead to injuries to the nerves.
Fires and explosions can happen in offshore work, burning the victims. They may result from poorly maintained equipment or from welding-related accidents. Recklessness and miscalculations on people’s part lead to such dangerous situations. An employer must ensure that you have safe working conditions. Failure to do so may constitute negligence. A New Iberia offshore injury lawyer can help you prove if an accident was a result of negligence by your employer.
For a free legal consultation with a off-shore accident lawyer serving New Iberia, call (337) 777-7777
Your Legal Options After an Offshore Accident in New Iberia
The legal option you have to recover damages may be determined by your line of work in the maritime industry. The Jones Act (46 U.S. Code § 30104) allows seamen to sue for compensation if their offshore accident happened because of the employer’s negligence. You may need to file a claim with your employer’s insurance provider. With the Jones Act, you have to prove that negligence caused the accident and thus the resulting injuries.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides for the compensation of those who work around the navigable waters of the country. The covered employees include those in construction, repair, loading, and offloading. Some workers cannot claim compensation under the Longshore Act. A lawyer can let you know whether your claim falls under the Longshore Act or the Jones Act.
There are certain processes you must follow both with the Jones Act and the Longshore Act to file and get compensated. An offshore accident lawyer is well aware of these processes. With their knowledge and expertise, a lawyer can guide you in the claims process.
New Iberia Off-Shore Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
What You Can Do After an Offshore Accident
Whatever maritime law your offshore accident case falls under, there are certain first steps you should take after an accident.
Get the Necessary Treatment
After an offshore accident, the first thing you should do is get medical help. If you are out in the water, you may receive first aid before getting to a healthcare facility. Your accident could occur on land in a location adjoining the navigable waterways. In this case, those working with you can take you to the hospital. The doctor will include the extent of your injuries in your medical records.
Let Your Employer Know
In the Jones and Longshore Acts, reporting an injury is a crucial part of obtaining compensation. For the Jones Act, you have to report the accident to your employer within seven days. In the Longshore Act, you have 30 days to report the incident. Failure to report your claim can put your chances of compensation at risk. The insurance provider may view your case as not so serious if you miss the reporting period.
Keep a Record
For you to file for compensation under the Jones Act, you have to show that your employer is responsible for your accident. You must also show that the accident led to injuries and damages. Therefore, you must present proof of these two conditions. After your accident, if you can, you should take pictures of the hazard that led to your accident. You can also get testimonies from those who witness the accident.
Most times, witnesses will include your fellow offshore workers. Your medical records will serve as proof of the seriousness of your offshore injury. Make sure you keep a record of the challenges you encounter in your life as an outcome of the accident. You may also possess receipts showing treatment costs and other expenses linked to your offshore accident.
Keep all the records and receipts safe. They will help your offshore accident lawyer in proving your case. Under the Longshore Act, you must show you were working when the accident occurred. This will help you show you qualify for benefits. A lawyer can help you gather even more evidence.
Consider Working With an Offshore Accident Lawyer
A lawyer can advise you on what steps to take to safeguard your compensation. You can focus on your health while we handle the legal process.
Click to contact our New Iberia Maritime Injury Lawyers today
Speak to a New Iberia Offshore Accident Lawyer Today
Suffering injuries in a maritime accident can put you out of work for some time. Injuries may affect your life and place you in a financial ditch. A lawyer can analyze your case details and suggest an effective approach to take to recover damages. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to talk about what steps you can take. The consultation is free!
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
