Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, Serving Clients Throughout Louisiana

Our Firm serves the greater Louisiana area and is well-prepared to help you acquire the financial compensation you rightfully deserve. 350 years of combined experience and over 200 million dollars in verdicts and settlements means you can trust us. Our team will put their best foot forward in your case no matter what your circumstances are.

For longshoremen in particular, we understand that these workers are not protected by workers’ compensation laws. Knowing this, our lawyers are fully equipped to assist you in filing a compensation claim via the LHWCA, and, if necessary pursuing a civil suit against negligent employers via the Jones Act.

So let us take your case, and we’ll get started free of charge. We operate under the contingency fee system. If you don’t get paid at the end of your case, neither do we. Our team of experienced workers’ compensation lawyers is ready to help you get the money you deserve.

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The Jones Act and Its Effect on Your Claim

The Jones Act is a law established in 1920 that provides support for The United States Merchant Marine for both commercial and military purposes. Most notable here is that it also allows maritime workers who are injured on the job to file a personal injury suit against their employers or other negligent parties.

This act is to the benefit of maritime workers, who do not get normal workers’ compensation benefits. This allows them to still be compensated for their injuries and works in tandem with the LHWCA.

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The Dangers of Offshore Work

Longshoremen are in charge of loading and unloading cargo from docked ships to prepare them for transport, due to the physically demanding nature of the profession and the necessary ability to operate machinery, your physical and mental health is of the utmost importance.

But, similar to those who work in the construction industry, those who are frequently exposed to such potentially harmful and heavy tools run the risk of suffering serious injuries in an accident.

Some of the many injuries you could be facing in an accident working offshore include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Lacerations
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Loss of limbs

The dangers you face when things go wrong working offshore could leave you paralyzed, an amputee, or with an otherwise permanent disability. These factors are accounted for in an LHWCA claim and should be present if you are filing for personal injury. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

Laborde Earles Has Years of Experience Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

For any work-related injury in a work environment, the blame lies solely with the parties responsible for the accident that took place. Although under a slightly different legal jurisdiction, longshoremen are no exception. If injured during maritime duties, they can legally file a civil suit against their employers for financial compensation.

Your medical expenses and work-related costs will be covered in an LHWCA claim, but if you are filing a personal injury claim against negligence for additional damages, you will have to prove that there was misconduct from a 3rd party that resulted in your harm.

Fortunately, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers have a thorough knowledge of every act that can benefit maritime workers in their claims and a wealth of experience representing those workers in civil cases, identifying accountable parties, and proving fault. Brief us on the incident that took place and our team of longshoreman injury attorneys in Lafayette will investigate from there.

Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Benefits & More

After you’ve been injured on the job, your medical bills will depend on the severity of your injuries. But no matter the cost, they are covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

This act was put in place to provide a resource for offshore workers to be financially compensated in the event of an accident and injury.

The benefits provided are as follows:

  • Medical treatment
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost income related to active employment.

You are not eligible to file a compensation claim under this act if you are a:

  • Seamen
  • Government employee
  • Covered by standard workers’ compensation laws.

Lastly, it must be noted that while seamen are not eligible to file a compensation claim under the LHWCA, they can still pursue a personal injury lawsuit because of the Jones Act.

Personal Injury Claims

Even if you are filing a claim under the LHWCA, you are still eligible to file a personal injury claim against your employer or any other negligent party that may have been involved in the incident, via the Jones Act.

All economic and non-economic benefits related to damages in a personal injury lawsuit apply here, including, but not limited to:

  • Counseling
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish

If you are filing on behalf of a deceased offshore worker who died on duty, you are also entitled to wrongful death damages such as burial expenses, loss of consortium, loss of education, and any other damages related to your loved one’s passing.

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Statute of Limitations for Longshoreman Injury Claims in Lafayette

Longshoreman civil suits fall under the law of personal injury claims. In Louisiana, CC 3493.1 gives you just two years after your injury to take legal action against negligence. Once that time passes you will be barred from seeking compensation.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

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.

D
Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the...

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the entire process. He was always patient, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions I had. What stood out most was how genuinely he cared. He made sure I understood every step and always made me feel supported and informed.

Wesley’s professionalism and compassion truly set him apart. He made a stressful situation so much easier, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of his hard work. I highly recommend Wesley and the entire Laborde Earles team. They really do put their clients first.

J
Jaine Fisher

Lafayette

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!

J
Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

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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maddie jo

Marksville

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is truly a blessing!

T
Tori E.

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.

M
Michel Lanclos

New Orleans

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly a...

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate her attention to detail and genuine care for her clients!

C
Courtnie Heltz

New Orleans

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - profession...

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - professional and always on top of everything. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made sure I understood every step along the way. My case was resolved better than expected. I can’t thank them enough.

M
Melody Johnson

New Orleans

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

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Tracie M.

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

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Contact a Lafayette Longshoreman Injury Lawyer Today and Let’s Get to Work

If you work as a longshoreman and your employer or anyone else’s negligence has rendered you unable to work or has otherwise disrupted your life, contact us immediately for a free case evaluation and we will get you started on the road to financial recovery and mental wellness.

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