Offshore Injuries Deserve Strong Representation

Louisiana’s maritime workforce keeps our state moving. From offshore oil crews to deckhands, tugboat operators, commercial fishermen, and shipyard workers, these jobs are vital but extremely dangerous. When an injury happens at sea or on a coastal job site, the laws that protect you are not the same as standard workplace injury rules. You need a lawyer who understands maritime law and who fights aggressively for injured workers.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers represents maritime workers throughout Louisiana and the Gulf region. Whether your injury occurred on an oil rig, supply vessel, barge, dock, or in open waters, our team helps you seek the compensation you need to recover physically, financially, and emotionally. We know the stakes are high. We are here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus fully on healing.

sail boat

Why Maritime Injury Cases Are So Complex

Maritime work environments are inherently hazardous, and when something goes wrong offshore, the consequences can be catastrophic. These cases require deep legal knowledge and careful investigation. Maritime accidents often involve:

  • Unsafe or poorly maintained equipment
  • Slip and trip hazards on wet decks
  • Falls from ladders or heights
  • Heavy machinery failures
  • Fires, explosions, or blowouts
  • Tugboat or barge collisions
  • Lifting injuries caused by understaffing
  • Fatigue from long shifts offshore

These environments are governed by unique federal laws, and the process for recovering compensation is different from standard workplace claims. Our team understands how to handle these cases from the ground up.

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The Laws That Protect Maritime Workers

Maritime workers are protected by a set of federal laws designed specifically for offshore and vessel-based employment. Laborde Earles is experienced in every major statute that may apply to your case. Key laws include:

  • The Jones Act, which allows injured seamen to pursue compensation when employer negligence plays a role in an accident
  • The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, which covers dock workers, shipyard workers, and others on navigable waters
  • The Death on the High Seas Act, which applies to tragic offshore fatalities occurring beyond territorial waters
  • General Maritime Law, which provides additional protections such as maintenance and cure

Understanding which law applies to your situation is critical. We help you navigate these rules and protect your right to full compensation.

Common Maritime Injuries in Louisiana

Offshore injuries often require long recovery times and carry major financial consequences. We work with medical experts to document injuries such as:

  • Head and brain injuries
  • Traumatic back and spinal cord injuries
  • Crush injuries and amputations
  • Severe burns or chemical exposure
  • Knee, shoulder, and joint trauma
  • Internal injuries from falls or impact
  • Chronic pain conditions caused by repetitive strain

We make sure no part of your physical or emotional harm is overlooked.

Compensation You May Recover After a Maritime Injury

Maritime accidents often affect every aspect of your life and your livelihood. Our attorneys calculate the full scope of your losses to pursue maximum compensation. You may recover damages for:

  • Medical treatment and future care
  • Emergency transport and hospitalization
  • Lost wages and reduced earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional and psychological distress
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Long-term disability
  • Wrongful death damages for grieving families

We partner with economists, industry experts and physicians to ensure your compensation reflects the true impact of your injuries.

What to Do After an Offshore or Maritime Injury

If you were injured offshore, the steps you take immediately afterward can play an important role in your claim. When possible:

  • Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as you are able
  • Request medical attention immediately
  • Photograph equipment, hazards, or conditions that contributed to the accident
  • Keep records of every appointment and symptom
  • Avoid signing company paperwork without legal advice
  • Do not give recorded statements to company representatives
  • Contact a Laborde Earles as soon as possible

Employers and insurers act fast to protect their own interests. You deserve someone who is protecting yours.

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Why Choose Laborde Earles for a Maritime Injury Case

Our law firm has deep Louisiana roots and extensive experience fighting for injured offshore workers. Maritime law is a complex area, but our team is prepared to take on the largest companies and insurers on your behalf. We help by:

  • Identifying the correct laws that protect your case
  • Investigating the cause of the accident
  • Working with maritime engineers and industry experts
  • Documenting unsafe work practices or equipment failures
  • Managing all communication with employers and insurers
  • Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
  • Taking your case to trial if necessary

We treat every client with the respect, honesty, and personal attention they deserve. You are not just a case number. You are part of our Louisiana community.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve h...

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve had with her has been positive — she takes the time to explain things clearly and makes the process much less stressful. Laborde Earles Law Firm is lucky to have someone like Jourdan on their team. I would highly recommend both Jourdan and the firm to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable legal support.

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Matt Picard

New Orleans

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.

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Gail

Baton Rouge

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.

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Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

They have good to keep me updated on the case but so far the settlement has not been reached.

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Lisa S.

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!

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Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! ...

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! She is the best, I 1000% recommend her if you have any questions!

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skylar bachman

New Iberia

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her attention to detail is unmatched.
She catches things most people would overlook, and she always makes sure every document is perfect before it leaves her hands.
Beyond her incredible skill set, Bridgette is also kind, reliable, and a true team player. She communicates clearly, stays organized under pressure, and goes above and beyond to make sure clients and attorneys alike feel supported.
You can tell she genuinely cares about her work and the people she helps.
If you're lucky enough to have Bridgette as your paralegal, you're in the best possible hands. Five stars isn't enough for someone this exceptional!

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Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

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!

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Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

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

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

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Maritime Injury Claims Clear Answers to Important Questions

Do I qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act?

If you spend a significant portion of your work time on a vessel in navigation, you may qualify. We can evaluate your job duties and determine your legal status.

What if my employer says the injury was my fault?

Under the Jones Act, the legal standard for employer fault is low. Even slight negligence from your employer can allow you to recover damages.

Can I get compensation if I was injured on a dock, platform or shipyard?

Yes. Dock and harbor workers are often covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act.

What if I was pressured not to report my injury?

This is common in offshore workplaces. You still have legal rights, and we can help protect them.

Do you have more questions?

Our team is here to answer every question about your case—clearly and honestly.

Speak With a Louisiana Maritime Injury Lawyer Today

Offshore injuries change lives in an instant, but you do not have to navigate this process alone. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers stands with Louisiana’s workers and their families, offering guidance, clarity, and trusted support when you need it most.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let our team help you pursue the compensation you deserve under maritime law.

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