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Common Causes of Seaman Injuries in Baton Rouge

Here are some of the most common causes of injuries to seamen we see in Louisiana:

  1. Trips, Slips, and Falls: The floors of a vessel are often wet and slippery, either from water or dripping grease that ends up on the deck. Either way, it poses a safety hazard for passengers and maritime workers onboard. A trip and fall accident can likely cause severe fractures, back and spine injuries, or even head trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injury.
  2. Toxic Chemicals: Toxic chemicals or corrosive materials in a confined space can be dangerous to anyone onboard a sea vessel. This is because corrosive substances present a hazard to the eyes, skin, or lungs by direct contact, whether touched or inhaled.
  3. Moving Objects: Maritime jobs involve heavy equipment that is constantly moving. For instance, loading and unloading goods and materials from cargo ships often involve using cranes and forklifts. If vessel owners fail to adequately maintain the equipment and it malfunctions, it could cause serious accidents and injuries including broken or crushed bones.
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What Is the Jones Act?

This federal law allows seamen to sue their employers or any other liable party for negligence if they get injured on the job.

What Is Considered Negligence Under the Jones Act?

The Jones Act requires the employer or vessel owner to maintain safe working conditions on the vessel that the seamen work on. Failure to do this can be considered negligence by the employer, and if it causes injury, the employer could be held responsible. Under the Jones Act unsafe conditions for working can include:

  • Grease or oil on the deck
  • Broken or malfunctioning equipment
  • Improperly maintained equipment
  • Improper training of crewmembers
  • Assault by a co-worker
  • Co-worker’s carelessness
  • Lack of safety gear or protocols

Damages Under the Jones Act

At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our seaman injury attorneys can help you recover compensation for many different types of damages. Some of which include:

  • Lost earnings
  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental and physical anguish
  • Trauma

The Jones Act Burden of Proof

Compared to standard negligence cases, the Jones Act burden of proof is relatively low. You only have to prove that the other party’s negligence played a part in your injuries. Your Baton Rouge seaman injury lawyer can help you with evidence and answer any questions you may have.

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Do I Qualify as a Seaman?

To pursue a Jones Act claim, the following conditions must be met:

1

The Vessel Must Be in Navigation

The sea vessel has to have some form of navigation on traversable waterways. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be moving at the time of injury. It could be at the dock.

2

The Vessel Must Be Operable in Navigable Water

The seaman must be in a vessel operable in navigable waters. Navigable waters include a river, lake, or sea.

3

You Must Contribute to the Vessel’s Work

A seaman can’t be merely a passenger. To get compensation for damages that happened onboard, you need to prove that you had duties on the vessel that were significant for its operation.

4

You Must Spend a Significant Time on Board

To qualify as a seaman, you must spend 30 percent of your time onboard the vessel. Your seaman injury lawyer can tell you more, determine which law you qualify for and which legal path is right for you.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law covering maritime workers who wouldn’t be covered under the Jones Act. Some of the employees eligible for the LHWCA include:

  • Longshoremen
  • Shipbuilders
  • Ship repairers
  • Shipbreakers
  • Dockworkers

Benefits Available Under the LHWCA

Under the LHWCA, if you suffer a work-related injury, you’re entitled to pursue compensation in the form of many different damages.

If your injuries are so severe that you cannot return to work, your Baton Rouge seaman injury lawyer can help you pursue rehabilitation benefits.

The LHWCA also provides the following:

  • types of monetary benefits:
  • Temporary total disability
  • Temporary partial disability
  • Permanent total disability
  • Permanent partial disability

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

They have good to keep me updated on the case but so far the settlement has not been reached.

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Lisa S.

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of people who call in are stressed and to have someone who is calm and kind taking the call is a great representation of the company.

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Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

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Christine G.

Trudy Dupuy is a wonderful asset to the team. She does an amazing job.

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Annabelle D.

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other thing...

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other things. Her detailed skills are very delightful. She goes out of her way to check on us, make sure we don't have any questions, and she is always on point. She moves very quick and always goes above and beyond for us to make sure we understand the process. I am so glad I ran into Laborde Earles and Alexis. Everyone will know about this company for sure and Alexis

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R.S.

Lafayette

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

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! ...

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! She is the best, I 1000% recommend her if you have any questions!

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skylar bachman

New Iberia

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) which is always a breath of fresh air to be around someone who is genuine. She's a doll and anyone who comes into contact with her is a lucky one!

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Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated Toxic Water Claim. Mr. John Chaillot has been instrumental in advising me on documentation, timelines, and all matters pertaining to my case. A true professional and appreciated. Thank you.

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Stephan C.

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

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Can I Afford a Seaman Injury Lawyer in Baton Rouge?

At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our attorneys know how traumatic an off-shore injury can be for seamen. Unexpected medical bills can be daunting, especially if you’ve had to take time off of work to recover. The financial strain can be overwhelming.

This is one of the reasons our seaman injury lawyers in Baton Rouge work on a contingency basis. This means you won’t pay anything upfront, beginning with your free consultation. Only if we win and you receive compensation, your lawyer will take his or her fees from a percentage of your total settlement package. If we lose, you don’t owe us anything.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today

At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve the Baton Rouge area. Let our seaman injury attorneys handle the hard work of your case so you can rest and recover properly in the comfort of your own home. Your lawyer can represent you in negotiations and keep you updated on your case. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

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