Even though working off-shore can be an exciting experience, it can also be very dangerous. Regardless of how many precautions off-shore workers take, accidents still happen. Many off-shore accidents happen annually, resulting in severe and sometimes fatal workplace injuries to brave maritime workers who face these risks every day.
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in an off-shore accident, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries and other damages incurred. A Scott off-shore accident lawyer can provide legal guidance and walk you through the entire process of an injury claim.
How Can a Scott Off-Shore Accident Lawyer Help You?
Sustaining serious injuries in an off-shore accident can take a toll on you financially and emotionally. It can be overwhelming to decide the best course of action when pursuing compensation. When you’re in pain, it can be difficult to make even minor decisions, and you certainly don’t want to make mistakes with the important things. It can be hard to know where to turn when you really need help.
Our off-shore attorneys know maritime law and can guide you throughout your injury claim. Whether you’re a seaman, longshoreman, oil rig worker, harbor worker, or dock worker, your lawyer can determine the most appropriate legal options for your compensation on your behalf. A Scott off-shore accident lawyer could do the following to help your case:
- Offer you sound legal advice related to your case specifically
- Conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence that shows liability
- Present evidence that proves the unseaworthiness of the vessel, if applicable
- Determine the appropriate statute of limitation that applies to your case
- Handle all the paperwork and communications related to your case
- Determine all recoverable damages and an appropriate settlement amount
- Draft all documents to be sent to your employer’s legal team
- Interview the witnesses present at the accident scene
- Consult accident reconstruction experts to prove liability in your case
- Negotiate a fair settlement with your employer and the insurance company
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t reached out of court
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Common Causes of Off-Shore Accidents
Many things can increase the risk of off-shore accidents. For example, when new crewmembers are not sufficiently trained for their jobs or workers are made to work long shifts with very few and short breaks, it can increase the possibility of an accident.
A lot of off-shore accidents are preventable, especially if they occur during line handling, diving operations, basket transfers, and when vessels collide. Even though the off-shore industry is associated with big budgets, employee training and safety protocols aren’t always as prioritized as they should be. This can lead to an unsafe working environment. The following are the most common causes of off-shore accidents:
- Bad weather and on-board leaks
- Minor and major vessel collisions
- Using ineffectual, outdated technology
- Human error
- Falling tools and objects
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Lifting heavy objects
- Fires and explosions
- Deck accidents
- Equipment failure
- Slips and falls
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What Should I Do After an Off-Shore Accident?
After an off-shore accident, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself and your legal rights. Omitting even one of the following steps could prove very costly to your claim for compensation:
Report the Accident
The Jones Act requires injured maritime workers to file an accident report within seven days of the accident date. However, it would be best if this were done even sooner if possible. File the accident report immediately to avoid missing out on compensation. Your Scott off-shore accident lawyer can be present when you make your report if you wish.
Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve sustained injuries following the off-shore accident, ensure that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, you should still get a doctor’s opinion. The doctor will also record important information about your injuries which may be vital when filing your claim. Keep copies of all medical documents. Your lawyer can use these as evidence in your injury claim.
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Maritime Laws for Compensation
Even though maritime workers are not protected by the traditional workers’ compensation laws, they can still seek compensation for injuries. Maritime workers are allowed by the law to file a lawsuit against their employers for compensation if negligence was a factor in the accident. They’re only required to prove that the employer was liable for the accident to some degree to file a lawsuit.
Here are the maritime laws under which maritime workers may qualify for compensation:
The Jones Act
Under the Jones Act, seamen can file civil lawsuits against their employers for injuries sustained at work. Under this law, to be considered a “seaman” you must perform duties on and around vessels that travel over navigable waters, spending at least 30 percent of your time on board the vessel.
The Longshoremen and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
This federal law applies specifically to maritime workers responsible for constructing and repairing vessels and loading and unloading. These maritime workers include dockers, harbor workers, dock workers, shipbuilders, ship repairers, and shipbreakers. Under the LHWCA, these workers could be entitled to the following damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Mental anguish
A Scott off-shore accident lawyer can determine exactly which legal path would be right for you, and offer guidance and counsel throughout your injury claim.
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Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Here at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand that unexpected injuries often result in unexpected medical bills. The cost of medical treatment is high. This financial strain can be increased if you’ve had to take time away from work to recover. Our off-shore accident lawyers in the Scott area are ready to help.
In fact, we work on a contingency basis for our off-shore accident clients. This means that you won’t have to worry about paying any upfront fees out of pocket. If we win, and you obtain compensation, your lawyer will simply take his or her legal fees out of a percentage of your total settlement package. If we lose, you owe us nothing. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and legal support.
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