A work-related injury can set you back not only physically but financially. If your injuries are severe or permanent, you may be facing a lifetime of limitations and ongoing medical care needs. Most maritime workers and their loved ones are aware of this reality, but once tragedy strikes, it can be devastating.
If you were hurt while working as a dock worker in New Orleans, then you may be entitled to compensation. A New Orleans dock worker accident lawyer can walk you through the process and help you understand what your legal options are during this challenging time. Get help from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now to learn more during a free consultation.
A Lawyer Can Help You File for Compensation
Regardless of the severity of your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial damages and injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident. With any accident, you should see your doctor for a professional diagnosis. Some injuries do not develop symptoms for weeks or months, and you want to establish the link between your injuries and the accident.
It is important to work with a lawyer from our firm who understands the unique circumstances involved with this type of claim. For example, not every attorney will know what you may claim as damages or the best way to go about gathering evidence to support your claim.
Special Circumstances You Can Include in Your Claim
Sometimes issues also arise about whether your injuries are covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Dock work can be just as dangerous as any other type of maritime labor, and this statute protects dock workers who are hurt while performing their duties.
Sometimes, a defendant will argue that Congress’ protections that apply to maritime workers should not extend to dock workers. We can protect your rights and fight against such tactics.
Who Is Typically Covered Under the LHWCA
It can be difficult to differentiate between all the laws and protections that may apply to maritime workers. While your lawyer can help you determine where you fall and how you will pursue compensation, workers who are generally covered under the LHWCA include:
- Ship loaders or unloaders
- Ship repairers
- Ship-builders
- Ship-breakers
- Harbor construction workers
Typically, longshore workers must work on US navigable waters, piers, docks, terminals, wharves, and other loading and unloading areas; however, other employees injured in these areas could still be protected if they are not maritime workers.
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We can Help You Gather the Evidence You Need to Prove Your Case
A few other functions that your lawyer will take care of on your behalf include:
- Gathering evidence to support your claims, such as pictures and videos
- Calculating the amount of the damages you are entitled to receive
- Speaking with insurance companies and other parties involved on your behalf
- Answering your questions about the process and your rights
- Representing you during depositions or in court
- Working with experts who can consult on your case
- Making sure the other side is playing by the rules at all times
Do not wait to reach out to us as you have a limited time to take action. We want to have as much time as possible to work on your case so that you have a strong defense.
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Damages You Can Receive After a Dock Worker Accident
One of the most important questions that an injured dock worker has is what kinds of damages they are eligible to claim in a lawsuit. There are many different types of expenses that you can recover after a dock worker accident. Some common types of damages that injured dock workers seek include:
- Past, ongoing medical expenses
- Rehabilitation fees
- Medical equipment or devices
- Prescriptions
- Lost wages
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Disability
- Reduced earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Physical/emotional therapy
There may be other damages that you can claim. To learn more about how a New Orleans dock worker accident lawyer can assist you, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now for a free case review.
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Injured Dock Workers may be Eligible for Benefits under the Jones Act
If you work primarily on a navigable vessel, you are probably excluded from the traditional workers’ compensation system that provides benefits for injured workers. As a result, a number of states have categorized dock workers with other maritime employees.
The Jones Act, or 46 U.S.C. §30104, provides these employees with a way to obtain financial recovery following an accident on the job. An injured dock worker can bring a lawsuit against their employer for a work-related accident. Under the Jones Act, a federal program provides benefits for people with jobs related to shipping, like dock workers. There are certain steps that you must follow to file a claim under the act.
For example, it can jeopardize your right to compensation if you do not pay attention to things like deadlines for filing paperwork. A dock worker must file their action in Louisiana state court or a federal district court. Also, unlike a maritime action, an action under the Jones Act entitles the injured dock worker to a jury trial.
Types of Qualifying Injuries
A few types of injuries that qualify for compensation pursuant to the Jones Act include:
- Forklift accidents
- Slipping, falling, or tripping
- Injuries from falling or dropped tools
- Machine-related injuries
If you suffered these or other injuries, our attorneys can help you determine whether you qualify and your best path for compensation.
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You Pay Us Nothing Unless We Win
There is no need to worry about whether you can afford our services or not. We do not require any upfront payment, and you will never pay us out of pocket. You will not owe us any money unless we get compensation for you, as we work on a contingency fee basis. Our fees come from the settlement or court award we will potentially win for you.
It can be incredibly overwhelming to know what you should do after you are hurt at work. While you are focusing on your health and recovery, our lawyers can investigate your legal rights and help you understand whether you are owed financial recovery. We believe that anyone who wants legal help should have access to it without having to spend money they don’t have.
Get Help from One of Our Attorneys Today for Your Dock Worker Claim
Do not feel like you are alone in this process or that you have to risk missing out on your potential right to compensation. Our injury attorneys and the rest of our team are here to help you through the process.
To learn more about whether a New Orleans dock worker accident lawyer can help you, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today. Our consultations are free, and a team member will discuss your options with you.
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