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.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

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.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

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...

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 situation. They made everything easy to understand and handled every detail with care. I felt supported the whole way through. I highly recommend Renee McCaslin to anyone looking for a paralegal who goes above and beyond.

R
Rosann Roberts

Lake Charles

Trudy Dupuy is a wonderful asset to the team. She does an amazing job.

A
Annabelle D.

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!

J
Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are gua...

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are guaranteed to work hard on your case and get the outcome you deserve. Brittani C. is one of the most organized, thorough and helpful paralegals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She keeps you informed and answers all your questions throughout the litigation process.

P
Patrick Conner

Baton Rouge

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,...

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.

L
Lauren O'Quinn

New Orleans

Syntera was Very professional and courteous. Answered my concerns.

L
Lisa G.

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...

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 Toxic Water Claim. Mr. John Chaillot has been instrumental in advising me on documentation, timelines, and all matters pertaining to my case. A true professional and appreciated. Thank you.

S
Stephan C.

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!

T
Tracie Martin

Alexandria

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!

T
Tracie M.

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

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.

branded accent

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.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(318) 310-8922
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 223-9925.