The possibility of pursuing compensation for your maritime work injuries is why the Jones Act is important. Maritime careers are typically not afforded the same type of workers’ compensation afforded other careers. Statute 46 U.S. Code § 30104 protects your right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you suffered a serious work injury while working as a fisherman, on an oil rig, or in some other type of maritime career, you should not pay out of pocket for expenses related to your injuries.
The Jones Act is an important tool for maritime workers who experience harm on the job, either due to negligence or their own actions. A Louisiana personal injury lawyer familiar with maritime law can help you with your claim and lawsuit.
Maritime Accidents and the Jones Act
Careers that place you on the water or working alongside it can place you at risk for serious injury. Slippery surfaces, moving equipment, and the potential for fire can result in life-changing injuries.
Maritime careers vary in the scope of work and the amount of risk involved. The following are just a few examples of maritime careers that employ thousands in Louisiana:
- Marine biologists
- Boat captains
- Fishing
- Boat crew/seamen
- Ferry tour guide
If you worked in one of these types of careers and suffered a serious injury, the standard workers’ compensation of other careers may not apply.
This is why the Jones Act is important for those who work in the maritime industry. It serves as an important path toward possible justice and compensation for personal injury.
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.
ClientTypes of Potentially Recoverable Damages
While there is no way to predict the outcome of your personal injury claim and lawsuit, you may be entitled to the following types of compensation:
- Medical costs: including transport to the hospital, doctors’ fees, and hospital fees.
- Continuous medical costs: ongoing medical needs such as rehabilitation, therapies, and expensive prescription medications.
- Loss of income: lost wages due to time spent recovering from your injuries.
- Diminished earning capacity: loss of potential future earnings if you are unable to return to your maritime career.
- Pain and suffering.
If you lose a loved one due to a tragic maritime accident, you may be entitled to a wrongful death claim and lawsuit. The types of damages awarded in a wrongful death case often include:
- Final medical expenses for your loved one
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of companionship
Navigating the laws involving the Jones Act and wrongful death is not easy. This is why it is imperative to secure legal representation as soon as possible in order to protect your best interests.
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 | ClientInsurance Company’s Pursuit of Quick Settlements for Injury Cases
If an insurance company approaches you with a settlement offer, do not accept it but rather refer them to your lawyer. The offer may seem appealing when in fact it is most likely not enough to cover your future medical care.
Accepting their offer without a lawyer present can prevent you from pursuing compensation later if your medical condition worsens. To protect your right to fair compensation, do not speak with insurance company representatives and refer them to your lawyer instead.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientContact Us Today to Learn More About the Importance of the Jones Act
Your injuries or loss make it almost impossible to handle the details of a legal case. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we work hard on behalf of our clients to secure the best possible outcome for their case.
The ability to pursue compensation for your maritime work injuries is why the Jones Act is important. As personal injury lawyers, our team understands how difficult this time is for you and your family. We are here to help you by providing legal representation that is caring and dedicated to your needs.
If you suffered a serious injury due to a maritime injury, the Jones Act is a way to seek compensation for your harm. While your life may never return to the way it was before your accident, possible compensation can ease your financial stress and worry.
Louisiana is a major shipyard state and a large force in America’s domestic maritime industry. If you are a part of the more than 70,000 employed in the industry and you experienced serious harm due to negligence or due to your own actions, the Jones Act may apply to your situation.
Placing a call to our office as soon as possible is imperative for not missing any deadlines for filing a lawsuit. Collecting and reviewing evidence takes time. Let our injury lawyers get to work for you today. Call us now for a free case evaluation at (337) 777-7777.
