Businesses around the world rely upon Louisiana’s many shipyards to build the vessels needed to transport their goods.
Shipyard Injury Claim Regulations
Shipyard worker injury claims are covered by a unique set of regulations. Traditional workers’ compensation laws provide injured employees in Louisiana with coverage for medical treatment and wage compensation, but these laws do not apply to shipyard workers. Instead, harmed maritime employees must pursue claims using special provisions provided in the federal Jones Act.
This Act operates like many workers’ compensation laws but gives control of ensuing cases to the Department of Labor. Those who work on or around vessels that travel on navigable waters can pursue compensation directly from their employees for medical treatment, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Though the Act specifically names “seamen” as the parties who qualify for coverage, this is a loosely defined term that includes shipyard workers.
A shipyard injury lawyer in Lafayette could work with injured people evaluate their claims and ensure that any awards adequately compensate their damages, such as the loss of wages or medical expenses. Occasionally, a claim may be denied or a settlement will not fully cover the damage sustained, but an attorney may be able to remedy this by presenting the case before an administrative judge.
