The Jones Act and how it Applies to Injuries that Affect Deckhands

Injuries among deckhands are common. They may slip and fall on a wet surface, become crushed by shifting cargo containers, suffer harm in mechanical failures, or fall overboard. Normally, people who suffer injuries while on the job can receive medical care coverage through a workers’ compensation insurance program. Unfortunately, the maritime industry is exempt from these requirements, meaning that an injured deckhand must pursue compensation for their losses from a different source. The federal Jones Act provides a path forward. 46 United States Code §30104 gives hurt maritime workers the right to bring a lawsuit against their employer for negligence. These lawsuits may cover related damages.

Federal Law Places a Strict Time Limit on Jones Act Lawsuits

Lawsuits for deckhand injuries resemble personal injury lawsuits that result from any other accident. The injured party must show that their employer’s failure to keep them safe resulted in their injury. This negligence may involve proving a failure to provide proper safety gear, inadequate security measures, a lack of training, or even an unseaworthy vessel.

In addition, the law places a time limit on when these lawsuits are appropriate. Also known as the statute of limitations, courts may refuse to hear a case if this time limit has expired. According to 46 United States Code §30106, the general time limit on lawsuits under the Jones Act is three years from the date of the incident.

The legal team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers could provide more information about how deckhand injury cases closely resemble lawsuits that allege personal injury. We can also work to ensure that a case is not dismissed because of an inability to file a lawsuit within the legally prescribed time limits.

Our Lawyers Can Help You Pursue Compensation

On top of helping you file a lawsuit on time, you can expect us to handle all the other aspects of your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries. We can:

Collect and Organize Evidence

The smallest form of evidence can be a great asset to building your case. If you think something can help your case, you need to notify your lawyer so they can add it to your evidence file. Other forms of evidence include:

  • Pictures and videos of the accident
  • X-rays or other images of your injuries
  • Incident report
  • Witness statements
  • Expert witness testimony
  • Your pain journal that documents your recovery
  • Medical records

This evidence will help us identify the liable party and demonstrate how they were negligent.

Deal with Communication

The other party’s representatives might try to call you to get your side of the story. We advise against speaking with them without representation. You may say something that could be used to place some degree of fault on you.

Your New Orleans deckhand injury attorney is aware of the tactics used and can manage any communication on your behalf. This way, no one can take advantage of you, and you won’t have the burden of keeping track of emails and phone calls.

Further, your lawyer can negotiate a compensatory award to help ensure you are given an appropriate amount of recovery.

Update You on Your Case

When you hire Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, you can expect frequent updates about the status of your case. If you have questions or concerns, we will happily answer them so you know you’re totally in the loop throughout the whole process.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Provides Free Case Reviews for Deckhand Injury Victims

As we said, one of our team representatives will provide you with a free case review when you call our office. From there, we will work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you pay us nothing starting up, out of pocket, or upfront. Instead, you will:

  • Save your money
  • Give us an agreed-upon portion of your final compensatory winnings
  • Not pay attorney’s fees if we don’t secure an award for you
  • Take no risk when you hire us

Learn more in a free case review from our maritime injury team.

branded accent

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Potential Forms of Compensation You Can Claim Following an Injury

Because a deckhand injury case is similar to other personal injury claims, the goal is also the same. People who demand compensation in these lawsuits are looking to collect the payments they need to be made whole again. This process requires injured deckhands to evaluate every way in which an incident has impacted their lives. The types of damages you might be able to recoup may include, but are not limited to:

Past and Expected Medical Expenses

The core of the case is always the physical injury. An employer responsible for an injury may be required to provide compensation to cover the costs of all necessary care. Your injuries may require you to:

  • Visit an emergency room
  • Call in a medical evacuation
  • Undergo surgery
  • Participate in a lengthy rehabilitation
  • Take prescription medications
  • Use medical devices (e.g., crutches, wheelchairs, etc.)

Past and Future Lost Wages

In addition, an injury may jeopardize your ability to make a living. If an injury forces you to miss work for a few weeks, you may be able to recover wage reimbursement for this time off the job, such as:

  • Bonuses
  • Hourly pay
  • Vacation days
  • Promotions

In more serious situations, an incident can leave you with a permanent disability. This injury may allow you to collect compensation for reduced earning capacity and/or disability.

Pain and Suffering

Finally, many people find that the emotional traumas that result from workplace injuries are just as severe as the physical ones. People who experience pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other emotional losses may receive compensation for this lost quality of life.

Wrongful Death

If you lost your lost loved one in a deckhand accident, you could recover losses related to their death, such as:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Their medical care
  • Your loss of financial support
  • Your loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance

A personal injury lawyer in New Orleans from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can assist you in placing an accurate value on your deckhand injury case.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

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

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is truly a blessing!

T
Tori E.

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

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, caring, and goes above and beyond for everyone in her life. She is a true gem! To know her is to love her!! Anybody would be lucky to have someone like Toni in their corner.

S
Sarah Jorden

Marksville

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

k
kelly

Lake Charles

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her attention to detail is unmatched.
She catches things most people would overlook, and she always makes sure every document is perfect before it leaves her hands.
Beyond her incredible skill set, Bridgette is also kind, reliable, and a true team player. She communicates clearly, stays organized under pressure, and goes above and beyond to make sure clients and attorneys alike feel supported.
You can tell she genuinely cares about her work and the people she helps.
If you're lucky enough to have Bridgette as your paralegal, you're in the best possible hands. Five stars isn't enough for someone this exceptional!

B
Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

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.

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions ...

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions and concerns, and her professionalism was top notch. Her phone etiquette, and calm and caring attitude was outstanding.

G
Gail

Baton Rouge

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

T
Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Start Building Your Deckhand Injury Case with one of our Attorneys Today

Our lawyers are ready to assist you with your deckhand injury insurance claim or lawsuit. We can explain your rights under the law, evaluate how the incident has affected your life, and demand compensation from the at-fault parties.

Reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at our New Orleans office by calling for your free consultation. We work for a contingent fee, meaning our clients pay us a percentage of the compensation they win via a court award or settlement.

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

(504) 777-7777
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 (504) 777-7777.