Causes of Off-Shore Accidents in Marksville, Louisiana

Workers in vessels or off-shore oil rigs know that their jobs are riskier than most. They often work around deep waters and usually at great heights. They are careful to avoid situations that might cause severe injuries as they work. The top causes of off-shore injuries include:

  • Transportation Incidents: As they travel or work off-shore, workers find themselves face to face with the forces of nature. Strong winds and unpredictable waves can wash away aircraft and small vessels taking them to work.
  • Machine Failures: Machines are central to most off-shore operations. Whether it’s the turbines that keep ships afloat or the motor drills on oil rigs, engines are running constantly. Inadequate training and poor maintenance can make these risks a reality with dire effects for those working.
  • Explosions & Fires: Whether transporting or mining, off-shore systems host all kinds of flammable material. In 2010, one of the most severe explosions in history (the Deepwater Horizon explosion) occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. This single accident led to 11 deaths and 17 nonfatal injuries. The case highlighted why workers need legal protection against the corporations hiring them.
  • Slips & Falls: Vessel owners must exercise the duty of care by doing all they can to protect their workers. However, failure to keep surfaces dry or use barriers around vessels can lead to dangerous slips and falls. Workers who fall off-shore can suffer serious injuries ranging from broken bones to hypothermia, and even death from drowning.

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How a Marksville Off-Shore Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Off-shore accidents happen because of many factors and acts of God. In many cases though, accidents occur due to the negligence of average people. Injured parties maintain a right to hold the ‘at-fault’ party liable for their roles in the accident’s occurrence. Your Marksville off-shore accident attorney can help you trace the causes of the accident to find the liable party. Your attorney will undertake several significant functions as they represent you, including:

  • Conduct Investigations: Proving your case for injury compensation rests on proving the at-fault party’s negligence. Your lawyer will use all the evidence from the accident, expert testimonies, and witness accounts to verify the facts of the case. Their diligence will show why you deserve compensation and a fair amount.
  • Initiate Negotiations: Once both parties know the facts of the case, the claims process allows for pre-court negotiations. Many cases settle before ever seeing the inside of a courtroom.
  • Handle Litigation: In some cases, off-shore accident lawsuits proceed to the court system. If you hire a Laborde Earles Injury Lawyer, we will utilize our knowledge to present strong arguments to the court.

Should I File Under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act?

When representing yourself in an off-shore injury claim, you might not understand all of the laws that apply to your circumstances. If you consult with attorneys from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can help you determine the laws that apply to your case and injuries.

File Under the Jones Act if You are a Seaman: A seaman is anyone that works on a vessel for a specified amount of time. Crew members and captains qualify as seamen if they spend at least 30% of their time on vessels, completing assigned duties. 

If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to file under the Jones Act. You may be entitled to any damages incurred from injury while working on a vessel. File Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act if You Don’t Qualify as a Seaman: The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) covers shipbuilders, harbor construction workers, and even dock workers from workplace injuries. Filing under The LHWCA provides benefits for harm and injuries suffered. Consult an experienced Marksville workers’ compensation lawyer find out if you qualify to file a claim.

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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...

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 quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

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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!

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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.

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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

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Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

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New Iberia

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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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Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attorney who is extremely knowledgeable and you'll never doubt that he'll get the job done!

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Deadlines for Filing an Off-Shore Injury Claim

Timely filing protects a victim’s rights from being denied by their employer. If you hire a Marksville maritime injury attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’ll make sure your claim is formalized within the time limits.

The deadline for reporting an injury under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) is thirty (30) days after the accident date. You should file within 30 days to be eligible for compensation.

The statute of limitations for the Jones Act is three (3) years. While the time limit is longer for seamen, filing early makes settling that much faster and allows attorneys time to investigate the accident to prove your compensation claim.

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Contact a Marksville Offshore Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Legal help can be expensive, but at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we believe that all workers deserve the best representation. We offer free consultation and assistance to ensure that you get the best chances for compensation.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an off-shore accident, you can trust that our firm will fight hard for your claim. Contact us today to connect with one of our attorneys serving your area.

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