Our global economy depends on shipyards to construct vessels that are used to transport goods throughout the world. For many of the people who work in a shipyard near New Orleans, the job is engaging, challenging, and a stable source of income. However, the job also comes with serious risks and dangers that the shipyard workers face every day.
Although an accident is a devastating situation for any victim, there is a way to seek compensation if you are injured while working in a shipyard. The process for claiming compensation can be incredibly stressful, however, and is not always straightforward. For many injury victims, this is their first time navigating the legal system and trying to protect their legal rights.
A New Orleans shipyard accident lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to assist you with pursuing the compensation that you deserve after a painful and expensive shipyard injury. There are some injuries that may not be protected by the laws that provide benefits to injured maritime employees. You can discuss your situation in a free consultation by calling our office at (504) 777-7777.
Shipyard Injuries Eligible for Compensation
One of the first questions that injured shipyard workers often have for a lawyer is whether they are eligible for compensation. Unfortunately, shipyard injuries happen due to the dangerous nature of this type of work. Even if an employer follows proper safety protocols and procedures, accidents can still occur that leave you in pain and with a stack of medical bills.
Although the facts of each situation vary, you are generally eligible to receive compensation for injuries that happened during the course and scope of your work as a shipyard employee. If you are unsure about whether your injury qualifies, you can speak with someone at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers in a free consultation to learn more.
Here are a few examples of shipyard injuries that are typically eligible for compensation:
- Slip and falls
- Forklift accidents
- Crane accidents
- Falling equipment or tools
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Burns
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
For a free legal consultation with a shipyard accident lawyer serving New Orleans, call (504) 777-7777
Shipyard Injury Laws
A shipyard injury is a unique situation that falls under a different set of laws compared to a typical workplace injury. Under Louisiana law, maritime employees are required to file any claim for compensation under the Jones Act, 46 U.S. Code § 30104.
This law functions similarly to a workers’ compensation system, but there are key distinctions that you should be aware of because they may affect your right to recovery. One of the first things you will need to prove is that you fall into the category of individuals who are protected under the statute.
Shipyard workers fall into this category in most cases, but it may be good to speak with a legal professional to see how the law applies to the unique facts of your situation. In general, if you work on a vessel or ship that travels on navigable waters, you can seek compensation directly from your employer if their carelessness was the direct cause of your injuries.
Another law that may apply to your situation is the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). This statute provides general protections for people who work in shipyards and are injured on the job. It can even apply to workers who do not perform duties directly on a vessel.
For a free consultation, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. A New Orleans shipyard accident lawyer from our firm may be able to assist you in recovering the compensation that you seek. Call (504) 777-7777.
New Orleans Shipyard Accident Lawyer Near Me (504) 777-7777
Shipyard Employers Duties to Protect Employees
Because shipyard work is so dangerous, employers have certain duties when it comes to keeping their employees safe and making sure that the workplace is free of unreasonable dangers. Some of these requirements include:
- Regularly maintaining equipment through inspections and repairs
- Performing background checks on new hires
- Performing necessary drug and alcohol screenings
- Ensuring that employees complete proper training
- Performing periodic evaluations of employees
- Assigning a reasonable workload
- Following all applicable safety regulations according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Ensuring there is adequate lighting
- Ensuring employees are driving safely throughout the shipyard
- Requiring the use of proper safety equipment
There may be ways that your employer cut corners or failed to ensure your safety. When an employer is careless in this manner, you can claim compensation for any injuries that you suffer as a result. It is important to hold employers liable not only to ensure that your expenses are covered but also to ensure that the dangerous situation is addressed promptly.
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Damages in a Jones Act Claim
One of the most pressing questions for any injured shipyard worker is what kind of compensation they may be entitled to receive after filing a claim under the Jones Act. There are many different categories of compensation that you can claim:
- Past medical expenses
- Rehabilitation fees
- Medical equipment and devices
- Prescriptions
- Vocational training
- Lost earnings
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
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Steps You Should Take After Suffering a Shipyard Injury
If you have other expenses that you incurred as a direct result of your injury, you should make a note of them and discuss them with a New Orleans shipyard accident lawyer. You may be able to claim them in your case for damages.
Another important step to take to help support your claim includes keeping copies of any documents, records, invoices, or receipts that are related to your injuries and expenses. You will also want to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have not already done so.
If you were injured on the job, seeking prompt medical treatment is essential to receiving the compensation that you deserve. It creates a record of your injuries that you may need to use at trial to prove that your job duties were the direct cause.
Get a Free Consultation
A consultation with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you figure out your situation and your legal rights. Bringing a claim may seem intimidating, but a lawyer can take the headaches and guesswork out of the process. For a free consultation with one of our staff members, call (504) 777-7777 now.
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