Standing Up for Injured Seamen Under Federal Maritime Law

Seamen face some of the toughest and most dangerous working conditions in the country. Long hours, rough waters, heavy machinery, and unpredictable hazards mean that even a single mistake or equipment failure can lead to life-altering injuries. When these injuries occur, federal law gives seamen powerful rights to seek compensation.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers represents injured seamen throughout Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. If you sustained an injury while assigned to a vessel, our Louisiana seaman injury attorneys will fight for the medical care, wages, and compensation you are entitled to under the Jones Act and general maritime law. We handle the legal battle so you can focus on recovering and taking care of your family.

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Who Qualifies as a Seaman?

You do not need to be a captain or engineer to be considered a seaman. You may qualify if you:

  • Spend at least 30 percent of your working hours aboard a vessel
  • Contribute to the vessel’s mission or function
  • Work on a ship, tug, dredge, barge, drill ship, offshore supply vessel, or mobile rig
  • Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident employed by a U.S. maritime company

Seamen include deckhands, tankermen, cooks, mates, welders, divers, line handlers, roustabouts, and many other crew members. If you are unsure whether you qualify, our legal team will review your work duties and vessel assignments and determine your eligibility.

Common Causes of Seaman Injuries

Accidents offshore and aboard vessels often involve extreme force, heavy equipment, and hazardous conditions.

Seamen may be injured due to:

  • Slippery decks and unaddressed fall hazards
  • Shifting cargo and unsecured loads
  • Winch, crane, or cable failures
  • Fires and onboard explosions
  • Engine room malfunctions
  • Faulty safety equipment
  • Exhaustion from long shifts
  • Inadequate crew training
  • Poor vessel maintenance
  • Collision or grounding events

If negligence played any role in your injury, the law may entitle you to significant compensation.

Benefits Available to Injured Seamen

Depending on the circumstances, an injured seaman may pursue several forms of recovery. Our attorneys help you secure all available benefits, which may include:

Maintenance and Cure

Regardless of fault, seamen injured in the service of the vessel are entitled to:

  • Maintenance: daily living expenses
  • Cure: medical treatment until maximum medical improvement

If your employer delays, reduces, or stops these payments, we take action immediately.

Jones Act Negligence Claims

If your injury resulted from employer negligence, unsafe work conditions, or the negligence of another crew member, you may recover damages such as:

  • Lost wages
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Medical bills and long-term care
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Unseaworthiness

If the vessel, its equipment, or its crew were unfit, you may have a separate claim against the vessel owner.

Wrongful Death Claims

Families who lose a loved one at sea may pursue compensation for:

  • Funeral costs
  • Loss of household income
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Emotional suffering
  • Survivor benefits

Our team helps families navigate federal maritime laws with care and respect.

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What To Do After a Seaman Injury

Your employer and its insurer will move quickly. Protect your rights by taking these steps:

  • Report the incident immediately
  • Request medical attention
  • Avoid signing statements without legal advice
  • Decline recorded interviews
  • Document visible injuries if possible
  • Preserve clothing and equipment involved
  • Keep copies of all crew reports and medical notes
  • Contact a Laborde Earles before returning to duty

We intervene early to prevent evidence loss and protect you from company pressure.

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How Our Louisiana Seaman Injury Lawyers Build Your Case

Seaman injury cases require deep maritime knowledge and the ability to prove unsafe conditions or employer fault. When you hire Laborde Earles, we:

  • Investigate the cause of your injury
  • Review logbooks, safety protocols, and maintenance records
  • Interview crew members and other witnesses
  • Work with maritime safety experts
  • Confirm seaman status and vessel eligibility
  • Calculate all economic and non-economic damages
  • Prepare and file all necessary claims
  • Negotiate for maximum compensation
  • Litigate aggressively if the company refuses to pay fairly

Our team handles every detail from start to finish.

Seaman Injury Claims Clear Answers to Important Questions

Do I qualify as a seaman if I switch vessels often?

Yes. If you are assigned to a fleet under common ownership and spend 30 percent of your time aboard those vessels, you may still qualify.

Do I have to prove fault to receive maintenance and cure?

No. These benefits are owed regardless of who caused the accident.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Most Jones Act cases must be filed within three years, but evidence is strongest when your attorney begins right away.

Can I be fired for filing a claim?

Retaliation for a Jones Act claim is illegal. If your employer retaliates, we can pursue additional damages.

Do you have more questions?

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

Our Legal Team We fight for our own.

Meet Our Team

Why Seamen Trust Laborde Earles

Louisiana is home to generations of offshore workers, and we take pride in protecting the people who keep our maritime industry running. Injured seamen choose our firm because:

  • We understand Louisiana maritime work and Gulf Coast vessels
  • We build every case as if it will go to trial
  • We offer personalized guidance and direct communication
  • We have deep experience in offshore injury litigation
  • We have won more than one billion dollars for our clients
  • We treat every client like family

When your future is on the line, you deserve a team that knows maritime law inside and out.

Speak With a Louisiana Seaman Injury Lawyer Today

If you were injured while serving aboard a vessel, do not handle your claim alone. Maritime law is complex, deadlines can pass quickly, and employers often pressure workers into accepting less than they deserve. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is ready to protect your rights and fight for your full recovery.

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