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Injured at Sea? You Have Powerful Rights Under the Jones Act

Life offshore is demanding and dangerous. Whether you work aboard a tugboat, fishing vessel, supply ship, jackup rig, dredge, drilling barge, or any vessel in navigation, you face hazards every single day. When something goes wrong, injuries are often severe and life-changing. Fortunately, the Jones Act gives injured seamen the right to pursue compensation directly from their employer when unsafe conditions or negligence contribute to an accident.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers proudly represents Louisiana’s offshore workers. Our Louisiana Jones Act attorneys help injured seamen recover compensation for medical care, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and more. If you were hurt offshore, you do not have to take on a maritime company or insurance carrier alone — our team stands ready to fight for you.

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What the Jones Act Means for Injured Seamen

Unlike land-based employees who file workers' compensation claims, seamen are protected by a federal law that gives them broader rights. The Jones Act allows marine workers to file a lawsuit directly against their employer when unsafe conditions lead to injury. You may qualify as a seaman if:

  • You work aboard a vessel in navigation
  • You spend at least 30 percent of your work life on that vessel
  • Your duties contribute to the mission or function of the vessel

Deckhands, drillers, boat captains, cooks, engineers, mates, commercial fishermen, tankermen, and many other offshore positions meet these criteria. If you qualify, the law allows you to pursue monetary compensation that goes far beyond basic medical care.

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How Maritime Injuries Happen

Offshore workplaces can be unpredictable, and even a small mistake can cause a catastrophic injury. Common causes of Jones Act claims include:

  • Poor safety protocols or a lack of training
  • Slippery or poorly maintained decks
  • Defective or uninspected equipment
  • Falls from platforms, stairs, or rigging
  • Explosions or fires
  • Heavy lifting injuries caused by understaffing
  • Being struck by swinging cables, loads, or machinery
  • Fatigue caused by long shifts and unsafe scheduling

Our legal team investigates the root cause of your accident and determines exactly how employer negligence contributed.

Negligence Under the Jones Act

The Jones Act gives injured workers a lower burden of proof than traditional injury lawsuits. Even slight negligence can be enough to hold an employer responsible. You may have a case if your employer failed to:

  • Provide a reasonably safe place to work
  • Maintain equipment, decks, or machinery
  • Implement safe operating procedures
  • Correct hazards they knew about
  • Provide proper tools, crew size, or safety gear

We gather evidence, interview witnesses, analyze company procedures, and work with maritime experts to build a strong claim demonstrating employer fault.

Maintenance and Cure Explained

Regardless of negligence, injured seamen are entitled to “maintenance and cure.”

This includes:

  • Maintenance reimbursement for daily living expenses while you recover
  • Cure payment for all reasonable medical treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement

If your employer delays, underpays, or refuses maintenance and cure, we take immediate action to enforce your rights.

Compensation You May Recover Under the Jones Act

A serious offshore injury may affect your health, your livelihood, and your family’s financial future. Our attorneys calculate the full value of your damages, which may include:

  • Medical bills and long-term care
  • Lost wages during recovery
  • Diminished earning ability
  • Loss of future income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Scarring or permanent impairment

If your injury prevents you from returning to offshore work, we work with economists to calculate long-term earning losses with precision.

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Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

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.

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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!

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Courtnie Heltz

New Orleans

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

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. He...

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. Her communication is clear, and she truly cares about delivering results. I couldn’t recommend her more highly!

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Mimi

Lake Charles

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.

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Melody Johnson

New Orleans

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in ...

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in making you feel heard and cared for. And, she’s, like, really pretty!

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New Iberia

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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Lafayette

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Car Accident

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What to Do After an Offshore Injury

Steps you take immediately after an accident can protect your health and your claim.

When possible:

  • Report your injury to your supervisor as soon as you can
  • Request a medical evaluation immediately
  • Photograph hazards, equipment, or conditions that contributed to the accident
  • Avoid signing incident reports without legal advice
  • Decline recorded statements to company representatives
  • Keep copies of all medical paperwork
  • Contact Laborde Earles as quickly as possible

Offshore companies often move fast to protect themselves. You deserve someone protecting your rights with the same urgency.

Why Injured Seamen Choose Laborde Earles

Maritime workers across Louisiana trust Laborde Earles because we treat every case with compassion, precision, and relentless advocacy. We provide:

  • Deep knowledge of the Jones Act and maritime injury law
  • Thorough investigations and expert-backed case building
  • Full handling of all communication with the company and insurers
  • Aggressive negotiation for maximum compensation
  • A readiness to take your case to trial when necessary

We are Louisiana Attorneys That Care, and we take great pride in protecting the workers who keep our state running.

Jones Act Claims Clear Answers to Important Questions

How long do I have to file a Jones Act lawsuit?

Generally, you have three years from the date of injury, but earlier action is always beneficial.

Can I still file a claim if I share some blame?

Yes. Under the Jones Act, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.

What if my employer says I am not a seaman?

Employers sometimes deny seaman status to avoid liability. We evaluate your duties and work time to confirm your legal classification.

What if I was pressured not to report my injury?

This is common offshore. You still have 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.

(337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Call a Louisiana Jones Act Lawyer Today

If you were injured while working offshore, you deserve a legal team that understands maritime law and fights tirelessly for Louisiana’s seamen. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has recovered more than one billion dollars for clients, and we stand ready to help you next.

Call today for a free consultation and let us begin protecting your future.

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Lafayette

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1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70508

 (337) 777-7777
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Alexandria

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100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

 (318) 777-7777
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Marksville

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306 N Washington St. Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

 (318) 310-8922
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New Iberia

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230 W. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560

 (337) 547-2777
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Lake Charles

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530 E. College St.
Lake Charles, LA 70605

 (337) 612-6909
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Baton Rouge

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660 St. Ferdinand St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

 (225) 777-7777
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New Orleans

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821 Baronne St. Suite D.
New Orleans, LA 70113

 (504) 777-7777
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