The maritime environment is dangerous. Numerous safeguards are often in place to minimize accident injury, but it can be disastrous when someone disregards them or fails. If that disaster happens to you, you need the support of an experienced Thibodaux maritime injury lawyer on your side.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, you get 350 years of experience behind you working with our firm. Our Thibodaux personal injury lawyer is dedicated to helping you recover the maximum compensation available in your case. Our firm aims to provide the legal support you need in a time that leaves you worried and vulnerable.
Understanding Maritime Law
The term ‘maritime’ broadly refers to the water, so when we discuss maritime accidents, we are referring to those that happen on open water, on shipping vessels, or sometimes on loading and shipping docks. Maritime cases are often applicable to laws different from state laws. When you work with a Thibodaux maritime injury attorney, they can often help you understand what general maritime law is.
Maritime law governs occurrences in bodies of water or waterways in the United States. These areas fall under federal jurisdiction, which makes the law uniform. However, this also means that injury cases may be treated differently than those on land, and the support of an experienced attorney is critical to ensuring you recover the compensation you deserve.
Many maritime injury cases are for injured workers, and there is unique legislation to protect them compared to standard workers’ compensation. These include legislation such as the Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Whether you are an injured worker or simply a passenger on a cruise ship, you may benefit from speaking with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to discuss your options.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientCauses of Maritime Injuries
Due to the broad nature of maritime law, the types of accidents it covers are vast. While we addressed that many of them are work-related, plenty occur in recreation or other nonprofessional settings. Some of these include:
- Boat-to-boat collision
- Improperly maintained dock facilities
- Impairment while operating a watercraft or vessel
- Powerboats hitting kayaks, canoes, or other smaller watercraft
- Jet ski or water ski accidents
- Fires or explosions
- Improper cargo loading
- Falling cargo
While some may be genuine accidents beyond anyone’s control, many maritime injuries are due to negligence. For example, someone operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol or failing to provide appropriate maintenance to a watercraft or vessel may be at fault. Sometimes, a thorough investigation is needed to determine all at-fault parties.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientBenefits of a Maritime Lawyer
Many people feel that contacting an attorney, especially right away, is extreme. However, when you deal with insurance companies, they look out for their best interest, and it is appropriate for you to take steps to protect yours. Some of the ways our maritime injury lawyer in Thibodeaux, LA, may do this include:
- Complete an investigation of the accident
- Gather evidence and supporting documents, including photos, witness statements, or any kind of police report
- Serving as the point of contact in your case, minimizing your liability when talking with insurance, and saving you time and mental energy that you should allocate to recovery
- We handle your case with an in-depth understanding of maritime law and how it can differ from other forms of personal injury cases.
You may be trying to manage piles of medical bills to treat your injuries on top of missing time from work. This can be a very financially stressful time, leaving you to wonder, “How much does it cost to hire a maritime injury lawyer?” and trying to determine if the cost is even worth it. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we operate on a no-win, no-fee policy.
The Value of Your Case
It may be difficult to determine what compensation you may request from the insurance company. They may call you the next day, offering $2000, which might cover your initial medical evaluation, but fail to consider any other losses or ongoing needs from the accident. Our maritime injury attorney in Thibodaux, LA, can help you identify the pertinent damages so you do not overlook them, including:
- Medical bills
- Transportation costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientEstablishing Negligence
The crux of any injury case, whether through personal injury or maritime legislation, is establishing negligence. According to the Louisiana Code of Evidence, the burden of proof for negligence is simply a preponderance of evidence. The burden is similar in legislation such as a Jones Act negligence claim, requiring evidence to support that the person is more likely than not to be responsible.
To establish negligence, you must be able to show at least three foundational truths. These may seem obvious or self-explanatory, but the logic is critical to a strong case. These foundations are:
- The defendant had a certain duty of care to you
- The defendant violated this duty
- The violation directly caused your injuries
- Without the negligence of the defendant, you would not have been injured
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientCommon Maritime Accident Injuries
Maritime injuries can vary significantly. Some injuries are similar to any other type of injury, like a slip and fall, and others are a little more unique, such as drowning. However, some of the injuries we see more commonly include:
- Crush injuries
- Electrocution
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Traumatic Brain Injury
These injuries can have differing effects on different people, but regardless of the situation, you should not have to shoulder the burden of someone else’s negligence. Recovering compensation will not make your injuries go away. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights to get your injury costs covered.
Gain an Advocate in Your Maritime Injury Case Today
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights to compensation. We will leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting the support you need to cover your damages. Our maritime injury attorney in Thibodaux, LA, will stand by you in negotiations and represent you at trial if needed.
We offer free case consultations that you can schedule with us online and with no obligation. You should not have to face this alone. Call us today and get the legal help you need.
