Financial Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury Caused by Maritime Work

An injury to the spinal cord can lead to severe, debilitating symptoms. You may suffer from pain, numbness, reduced mobility, or even paralysis. You may require significant medical intervention, including long-term rehabilitative care.

Spinal cord injuries are not only painful but also expensive. The cost of medical treatment combined with lost income from missed work can be a massive financial burden to an injured maritime worker. Compensation may be available for these expenses, but successfully recovering compensation can be challenging, especially when dealing with a major injury.

A maritime spinal cord injury lawyer in Lafayette, LA, can provide the legal support you need. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys in Lafayette know the obstacles many injured maritime workers face when pursuing financial compensation and how to overcome these obstacles.

Compensation for Medical Treatment and Ongoing Medical Needs

The spine is one of the most important parts of the body, and the results of a spinal cord injury can be significant. Many spine injury sufferers require medication, surgery, and physical therapy. Severe spinal cord injuries may necessitate adaptive devices for communication or assistive devices such as braces or wheelchairs.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses related to the following:

  • Hospital stays
  • Ambulance transportation
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Emergency room treatment
  • Rehabilitative care
  • Medical devices and equipment
  • Medications
  • Other medical needs

Compensation for Your Lost Income

A spine injury will most likely keep someone temporarily or permanently out of work. Depending on the nature of the injury and your position in the maritime industry, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income. You may also be entitled to compensation for future lost income and lost earning capacity.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

A Maritime Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Lafayette, LA, Can Help You Understand Your Legal Rights

Maritime workers are not covered under traditional workers’ compensation laws. The two primary laws regulating injured maritime workers’ access to compensation are the following:

  • The Jones Act
  • The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

The first step in understanding the amount and type of compensation you could receive is determining which federal law your situation falls under. Consult a workers’ compensation lawyer in Lafayette, LA, who is experienced in maritime law to understand better how these regulations impact your case.

    The Jones Act Applies to Injured Seamen

    46 U.S.C. 30104, called the Jones Act, is a federal law that gives certain maritime workers the right to recover compensation for injuries.

    The Jones Act applies to seamen who spend at least 30% of their time working on a ship or boat that travels navigable waters. The following individuals are typically considered seamen:

    • Captains
    • Commercial fishermen
    • Commercial divers
    • Deckhands
    • Engineers
    • Crew members on vessels
    • Tug and barge crew members
    • Cruise ship staff

    A person who brings a lawsuit under the Jones act must file it within three years of the injury.

    ‘Maintenance and Cure’ Claims Under the Jones Act

    If you suffered an injury while working as a seaman on a vessel, you may be able to recover compensation through a “maintenance and cure” claim. Maintenance and cure claims provide compensation for an injured maritime worker’s daily expenditures and medical expenses.

    You do not need to prove your employer or another party acted negligently to recover maintenance and cure compensation. You must only prove you meet the definition of a seaman and that your injuries were related to maritime work on a vessel.

    Compensation for an Injury Caused by Negligence

    Maritime employers must take appropriate measures to prevent avoidable injuries. This includes ensuring a reasonably safe working environment free of risks such as defective equipment or obvious slip and fall hazards. If your employer acted negligently and you were injured because of this negligence, you may have a second option for recovering compensation.

    You may be able to file an “unseaworthiness” claim and recover compensation above and beyond what is available through a maintenance and cure claim. An unseaworthiness claim may allow for the recovery of medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. An offshore spinal cord injury lawyer from our law firm can help you determine if an unseaworthiness claim is possible in your case. We will do everything we can to maximize your financial recovery.

    The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Covers Longshoremen and Other Workers

    Maritime workers who do not qualify as seamen under the Jones Act typically qualify for work injury coverage under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

    The LHWCA may cover you if you work as a:

    • Longshoreman
    • Shipbuilder
    • Ship repairer
    • Shipbreaker
    • Another worker engaged in work related to water and marine transport

    Compensation available through the LHWCA is based on a percentage of your average weekly wage or a schedule that pays benefits based on what body part was injured.

    Depending on the severity of your injury and the amount of time it takes you to recover from the injury, you could be entitled to:

    • Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits
    • Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits
    • Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits
    • Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits

    In addition to compensation for your lost income, you may also be reimbursed for any medical expenses incurred by the work injury.

    We Help Injured Workers Who Were Denied LHWCA Benefits

    If your employer or the insurance company denies you compensation or tries to downplay the severity of your spinal cord injury, our Lafayette maritime spinal cord injury lawyers can help. We will advocate strongly on your behalf and fight for compensation through all the available legal avenues.

    Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

    I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions ...

    I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions and concerns, and her professionalism was top notch. Her phone etiquette, and calm and caring attitude was outstanding.

    G
    Gail

    Baton Rouge

    I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's,...

    I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's, Amber, Toni, Debbie, Alana & Erica are absolutely amazing. You couldn't have ask for better. And to Rachael, she was so sweet the other day when I needed some information about when my advance was going to be ready. Thank you Laborde Earle's Law Firm for always being the Best.

    L
    Lauren O'Quinn

    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

    Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

    Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

    M
    Megan C.

    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

    Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

    Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

    S
    Sandi W.

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

    C
    Christine G.

    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!

    T
    Tracie M.

    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

    Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

    Read More Testimonials

    Contact a Lafayette Maritime Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer for Personalized Assistance

    Maritime workers play a crucial role in our economy and society. If you suffered injuries while working in a maritime job, our law firm can protect your rights and help you pursue financial compensation.

    Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers offer a free initial consultation so that you can explore your legal options. Call us today so that we can learn more about your situation and how we can help.

    branded accent

    View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

    woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

    Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

    Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

    Read Full Article
    law statue

    Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

    In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

    Read Full Article
    big rig car accident

    Blog $1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

    When it comes to being injured in a car accident, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between getting $1,400,000 in 9 months i...

    Read Full Article
    mardi gras beads

    Blog Safety Tips to Help Stay Safe During Your Mardi Gras Celebration

    Mardi Gras is a grand and celebratory holiday filled with parades, live music, picnics, and much more. From the crazy costumes to the colorf...

    Read Full Article
    two workers in orange suits

    Blog $42,000,000 Settlement for Burn Victim in Plant Explosion

    What our client thought would be a normal workday at the plant left him questioning whether or not he could fulfill his role as a father and...

    Read Full Article

    Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

    View All FAQs View All Articles

    Our Locations Find Your Local Office

    Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

    25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

    Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

    (337) 777-7777
    This field is required.
    This field is required.
    This field is required.
    This field is required.
    This field is required.
    Send Message
    Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 777-7777.