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 at (504) 777-777 now to learn more during a free consultation.
Types of Dock Worker Accidents
Although a dock worker accident can happen in many different ways, there are a few common situations that lead to dock worker injuries. Take a moment to consider whether any of these factors were at play in your accident:
- Unclean conditions
- Crowding in the workplace
- Lack of adequate training
- Reckless employees working around you
- Lack of proper maintenance
- Inadequate lighting
- Failure to implement safety policies like immersion suits or wearing life jackets
- Failure to drive safely in the shipyard
- Failure to store dangerous chemicals correctly
For a free legal consultation with a dock worker accident lawyer serving New Orleans, call (504) 777-7777
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, for example.
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. Unlike a maritime action, an action under the Jones Act entitles the injured dock worker to a jury trial.
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
New Orleans Dock Worker Accident Lawyer Near Me (504) 777-7777
Damages 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
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 at (504) 777-7777 now for a free case review.
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A Lawyer Can Help You with Your Claim
Regardless of how severe your injury is, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial damages and injuries you have suffered as a result of the crash.
It is important to work with a lawyer who understands the unique circumstances involved with this type of claim. Not every attorney will know what kinds of things you can claim as damages, for example, or the best way to go about gathering evidence to support your claim.
Sometimes issues also arise about whether your injuries are covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This statute protects dock workers who are hurt while performing their duties as dock workers because dock work can be just as dangerous as other types of maritime labor. Sometimes, a defendant will argue that Congress’ protections that apply to maritime workers should not extend to individuals working on vessels like dock workers.
A few other functions that your lawyer will take care of on your behalf include:
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Calculating the amount of the damages you are entitled to receive
- Speaking with insurance companies 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
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Get Help Today with Your Dock Worker Claim
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, a lawyer can investigate your legal rights and help you understand whether you are owed financial recovery.
Do not feel like you are alone in this process or that you have to risk missing out on your potential right to compensation.
To learn more about whether a New Orleans dock worker accident lawyer can help you, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (504) 777-777.
The first consultation is free. You will not owe us any money unless we get compensation for you, as we work on a contingency-fee basis.
Call or text (504) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
