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Understanding Maritime Claims and Legal Protections

Maritime workers have unique legal rights under admiralty laws, including the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

Such legislation provides injured workers with avenues to seek financial compensation for their injuries. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to file a:

  • Jones Act Claim: Protects seamen injured due to employer negligence or an unseaworthy vessel
  • Maritime Injury Claim: Covers a wide range of accidents, from offshore oil rig accidents to ship accidents
  • Wrongful Death Claim: Provides compensation for families who have lost a loved one in a maritime accident
  • Personal Injury Action: Allows injured parties to seek damages for medical services, emotional distress, and property damage claims

Our offshore injury attorneys have extensive legal experience handling these types of claims, ensuring you receive the maximum financial recovery possible.

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Compensation for Maritime Injuries

In a maritime accident claim, injured parties may be entitled to a variety of damages, including:

  • Economic Damages: Reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses
  • Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life
  • Property Damage Claims: Recovery for damaged personal or professional equipment
  • Additional Damages: Coverage for daily living expenses, basic living expenses, or ongoing medical attention

Our maritime injury lawyers in Baton Rouge work tirelessly to identify all types of damages you may be eligible for, from immediate medical bills to long-term losses caused by catastrophic injuries.

Common Maritime Accidents and Injuries

The maritime occupation comes with inherent dangers. Maritime accidents often result from employer negligence, faulty equipment, or unsafe working conditions. Some of the most common types of accidents include:

  • Offshore Oil Rig Accidents: Injuries caused by explosions, equipment malfunction, or inadequate training on drilling rigs
  • Barge Accidents: Incidents involving collisions, slippery surfaces, or improper vessel maintenance
  • Commercial Fishing Accidents: Injuries sustained by fishing boat crew members due to faulty equipment or vessel owner negligence
  • Boating Accidents: Collisions between vessels, recreational boats, or crew boats
  • Accidents on Loading Facilities: Injuries occurring at docks, ports, or during cargo loading and unloading

These accidents often lead to debilitating injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. They leave victims with mounting medical bills.

What Causes Maritime Accidents?

Maritime accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which involve negligence on the part of vessel owners, employers, or other responsible parties. Common causes include:

  • Equipment Failure or Malfunction: Faulty equipment or poor maintenance can lead to serious injuries.
  • Slippery Surfaces: Wet decks and poorly maintained workspaces increase the risk of falls.
  • Inadequate Training: Employers who fail to properly train crew members put everyone at risk.
  • Maritime Negligence: Engaging in unsafe practices, such as overloading vessels or ignoring safety protocols, can result in accidents.

If you’ve been injured due to a negligent party, our Baton Rouge maritime accident attorneys can help you hold the liable parties accountable.

Types of Maritime Workers We Represent

Our legal team represents a variety of maritime workers, including but not limited to:

  • Offshore drilling contractors and crew members
  • Supply boat crew members
  • Construction workers on loading facilities
  • Commercial fishermen and shrimpers
  • Crew members on seagoing vessels, including barges, fishing boats, and drilling rigs

No matter your maritime occupation or type of vessel involved, we have the legal experience to handle your claim.

Off Shore Accident

Seaman Injury

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

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Lafayette

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions ...

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions and concerns, and her professionalism was top notch. Her phone etiquette, and calm and caring attitude was outstanding.

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Car Accident

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

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Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are gua...

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are guaranteed to work hard on your case and get the outcome you deserve. Brittani C. is one of the most organized, thorough and helpful paralegals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She keeps you informed and answers all your questions throughout the litigation process.

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Patrick Conner

Baton Rouge

Courtney Marsh has a positive attitude and great attention to detail in her work!

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Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had ...

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had our best interest and our well being as a priority. I would recommend them to friends and family. My case had some extenuating circumstances and they both worked diligently to help us. I am very thankful for their service and dedication to us.

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Michel Lanclos

New Orleans

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in ...

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in making you feel heard and cared for. And, she’s, like, really pretty!

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Sylvia Roy

New Iberia

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica wa...

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. She took the time to explain each step of the process, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and made sure I always felt supported and informed.
Her dedication and attention to detail were clear throughout, and it was evident she genuinely cared about achieving the best possible outcome. Thanks to Erica’s hard work and expertise, my case went smoothly and successfully.
I highly recommend Erica Ducote to anyone in need of a skilled, reliable, and compassionate paralegal. She truly goes above and beyond!

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Marksville

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The Jones Act

The Jones Act is a federal statute that allows you to seek compensation if you suffer injuries after a Baton Rouge maritime accident. Maritime workers covered by the Jones Act are those who work onboard a navigable ship or vessel as a member of the crew (seamen) and spend at least 30% of their time onboard.

Under the Jones Act, you have up to three years to file a claim.

The LHWCA

The LHWCA covers marine workers who aren’t considered seamen and don’t qualify for the Jones Act. But there are some important differences. After a maritime accident, the first thing you should do (after seeking medical care) is file a report.

Under the LHWCA, you have 30 days in which to notify your employer of your injury and two years after the accident to file a compensation claim.

How a Baton Rouge Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Help

A Baton Rouge maritime injury lawyer can assist you in many ways after an accident. They could review your case to determine if the negligence of another party contributed to your injuries. This process may involve watching video footage or talking to witnesses.

It can also include reviewing vessel maintenance records to determine if the accident occurred due to a faulty part.

Other ways an attorney can help include:

  • Assessing damages
  • Answering questions about maritime law
  • Consulting a physician regarding your health care needs
  • Getting an accident report from your supervisor
  • Providing legal guidance

The law provides various options for victims of Baton Rouge maritime accidents to file a claim. These are through the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Your attorney can determine the correct route to seek reimbursement based on your employment position.

Call a Baton Rouge Maritime Lawyer Today

A Baton Rouge maritime injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for physical harm and property damages. At Laborde Earles, we can assess your case and provide you with legal guidance specific to your maritime injury claim.

Our attorneys can handle your case so you can focus on recovering from your injury. Contact Laborde Earles now for a free consultation.

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