In general, the Jones Act lets seamen file liability-based claims against their employers. Your options for compensation after a maritime injury may include:
- A Jones Act claim against a shipowner if they are your employer
- A Jones Act claim against another party if they are your employer
- A third-party liability claim against a shipowner or if they are not your employer
A lawyer from our firm can help you identify the liable party in your case and handle any Jones Act or other types of claims that you are eligible to bring.
We Can Determine Your Eligibility for Coverage Under the Jones Act
Per 46 U.S.C. §30104, the Jones Act covers you if you are a “seaman.” You must generally contribute to the operation of a navigating vessel in order to qualify for coverage.
Those who work on docks or in other maritime-related capacities may qualify for Jones Act coverage. Generally, you must spend 30% or more of your professional time working aboard a vessel to qualify.
There may be options for seeking compensation if you do not qualify as a seaman, such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may also be able to help you file a third-party liability claim against the party that injured you.
Losses That a Claim or Lawsuit May Cover
We will discuss the specific losses that your claim or lawsuit may cover. We can determine all the losses that have come from your injury or illness. Once we have done so, we can move forward in pursuing coverage.
We may be able to recover awards for:
- The cost of your medical care
- The income you have already lost
- The income you will lose going forward
- Your pain and suffering
We may also be able to help you pursue coverage for the cost of losing a loved one in a maritime accident.
We Can Handle Your Claim or Lawsuit from Start to Finish
We can file a Jones Act claim against a shipowner if it is the appropriate option for you. We can also handle any other type of action that your case requires.
Claims and lawsuits can be complicated. We will do everything necessary to complete your case, including:
Collection of Documentation and Evidence
In order for you to obtain compensation, we will need to prove:
- That you are injured or ill
- That your injury or illness is work-related
- That you have suffered the losses which we are seeking compensation for
We can collect various forms of evidence and documentation that help your case. This may include:
- Paperwork from your doctor
- Medical bills
- X-rays, MRI results, and other forms of medical imaging
- Proof of your pre-injury earnings
- Witness accounts of your injury
- Expert accounts that support your claim of work-related illness or injury
These kinds of evidence and documents may be vital to our case.
Defense of Your Rights
We will protect your rights from the moment that you hire us. We will also ensure that insurance companies, attorneys, and others do not violate your rights.
Daily Responsibilities
Lawsuits and insurance claims can require consistent attention. To complete your case, we will:
- Create your claim or lawsuit
- File your claim or lawsuit
- Investigate your illness or injury
- Work alongside experts to strengthen your case
- Make court appearances, phone calls, and engage in other case-related communication
- Complete settlement negotiations
- Take other necessary actions to pursue compensation
You Only Pay Us if We Win for You
Our firm will handle your case at no direct cost to you. Whether we file a Jones Act claim, another type of claim, or lawsuit, we do not charge you upfront. Thanks to our contingency fee pay structure, you pay us only if we win compensation for you.
We receive a percentage of any winnings that we obtain. However, if we are not successful in obtaining compensation, then you do not have to pay us anything. We do not accept compensation out of your pocket under any circumstances.
Call the Attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has won more than $200 million for our clients. We can handle every aspect of your claim or lawsuit. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation about how we can start your case.
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