Most Common Sources of Maritime Injuries

There are many sources of maritime injuries. A high number of accidents are caused simply by dangerous weather. However, human negligence is often the cause of maritime injuries. As a maritime worker you have the right to seek compensation if your injuries were caused by negligence, either partly or fully.

Conditions out on the water have the potential to be highly dangerous. Thus, maritime workers must possess great skill, undergo extensive training, and always maintain vigilance. Doing so can greatly reduce the number of maritime accidents and even save lives. But people are prone to error and many of their mistakes can lead to injury.

Conditions that encourage human error (and accidents) can include:

  • Working for extended periods without rest
  • Failure to properly train workers
  • Extreme pressure on the job

There are many common maritime accidents that can occur as a result of human error and negligence. They can include machinery failure, onboard fires, trips and falls, or movement of a shipment that is poorly fastened. Any of these could cause injury. A more severe accident may even involve the vessel crashing into permanent, immovable objects. Distinguishing the real cause of your maritime accident may be challenging. A Marksville maritime injury lawyer could help you find out if negligence brought about your accident and injuries.

sail boat

How to File a Claim Under the Jones Act

The Jones Act is legislation that aims to safeguard maritime workers who suffer injuries while working. It provides an avenue for them to file a claim to obtain compensation. For you to qualify under the Jones Act, you must be considered a seaman (captain, crewmember, or other ship worker) working on a navigable vessel and spend at least 30% of your hours on it. You must also file your suit within three years of the physical harm or death that resulted from the maritime accident.

By working with our Marksville maritime injury attorneys, you can rest easy knowing your Jones Act claim will get filed properly. We can take into consideration the time within which your accident occurred to make sure your case is not dismissed or barred.

How the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Can Help

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a provision by the federal government. This legislation caters to maritime workers who suffer injuries that result from accidents that happened on America’s navigable waters. It can also cover injuries that occurred in areas adjacent to navigable waters, including those used in loading, emptying, fixing, and constructing ships.

The LHWCA allows these injured professionals to seek the possibility of lost pay, coverage of medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation. If your loved one died due to injuries they suffered from a maritime accident while working, the LHWCA can also provide death benefits. An experienced Marksville workers’ compensation lawyer can help you determine whether you qualify to file a claim under the LHWCA.

The Jones Act and the LHWCA may seem similar, but there are important differences. The Longshore Act is a federal provision whereas the Jones Act is not. One crucial difference in the LHWCA is that you must provide a written notice to your employer within 30 days of either your injury or the date you realize you have sustained physical harm or disability linked to the accident. Failure to do so may endanger your right to recover damages. A maritime lawyer in Marksville can help you file your claim properly and steer you safely through the complex legal process.

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Michelle Brouillette is a wonderful addition to the Laborde Earles team.

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Melanie B.

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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New Orleans

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Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

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kelly

Lake Charles

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situat...

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Lake Charles

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R.S.

Lafayette

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

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Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

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Baton Rouge

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New Iberia

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Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

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Baton Rouge

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

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Matt Picard

New Orleans

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

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Mimi

Lake Charles

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Marksville

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anonymous

Car Accident

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New Orleans

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Lafayette

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Alexandria

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Lafayette

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New Iberia

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

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Baton Rouge

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Alexandria

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Baton Rouge

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New Orleans

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New Iberia

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New Orleans

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Lafayette

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Marksville

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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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Alexandria

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Marksville

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Damages You May Be Able to Recover

Recovering damages for injuries that you suffered while at work as a maritime worker is something a maritime injury lawyer can help you with. The Jones Act makes it possible for you to seek those damages. You may be able to recover lost income and lost future earning potential. You also may be entitled to lost wages if you’re unable to work and earn money due to a maritime injury.

Conversely, if you’ve suffered a disabling injury that makes you unable to return to the maritime industry, you may have had to find a different, lower-paying job. In this case, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you would have earned in the future had you been able to continue maritime work.

Other damages can include medical costs both now and in the future. You may also recover damages for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of the maritime injury. If the accident resulted in the death of a maritime worker, their family may have a right to receive death benefits for the loss of support.

How a Laborde Earles Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Help

An injury or death resulting from a maritime accident can be overwhelming. If this happens to you in Marksville, there are avenues you can take to see if you’re entitled to compensation. A maritime injury lawyer can help fight for you and handle all the details of your case. If you have been injured and are seeking closure and compensation after a maritime accident, reach out to a Laborde Earles Marksville maritime injury lawyer.

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