An Overview of the Jones Act

When most people get hurt on the job, they can file a worker’s compensation claim to receive medical services, some of their lost income, and other financial recoveries. Maritime workers in Louisiana cannot apply for worker’s compensation, but they could apply for assistance under the Jones Act.

Maritime workers can sue their employers directly under the Jones Act. You can work with a maritime amputation injury attorney in New Iberia, LA, if you are thinking about suing your boss. They will almost certainly hire a legal team to defend against your claim. You do not want to take them on by yourself.

Some people mistakenly think only offshore workers have the protection of the Jones Act, but that is not the case. If your job usually requires you to work on or around maritime vessels that travel over oceans, lakes, rivers, or other navigable waters, you likely qualify as a “seaman” who falls under the protection of the Jones Act.

What Is an Amputation Injury?

Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that amputation is “the loss or removal of a body part such as a finger, toe, hand, foot, arm or leg.” An amputation could change how you work, interact with others, move, perform everyday functions, and live independently.

Some people assume that once the body part is severed, there is no more pain or discomfort, but that is an incorrect assumption. According to Johns Hopkins, people who have suffered amputation continue to endure pain. Also, the phantom limb phenomenon is real. Emotional trauma is another challenge that amputation patients could face.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations

If you choose to proceed with a lawsuit against the at-fault party for your New Iberia maritime amputation injury, you will need to do so relatively quickly. You do not want to wait until right before the filing deadline because it takes time for a lawyer to investigate the accident that caused your amputation and draft the paperwork for court.

In Louisiana, you generally have only two years from the accident date under CC 3493.1 to file a personal injury lawsuit. Also, if your close relative died from a maritime accident, you must file the wrongful death lawsuit within two years from their death date, per CC Art. 2315.2. Our offshore amputation injury lawyer will advise you of your case’s timelines and deadlines once they review it. They also will file your case on time.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of people who call in are stressed and to have someone who is calm and kind taking the call is a great representation of the company.

D
Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other thing...

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other things. Her detailed skills are very delightful. She goes out of her way to check on us, make sure we don't have any questions, and she is always on point. She moves very quick and always goes above and beyond for us to make sure we understand the process. I am so glad I ran into Laborde Earles and Alexis. Everyone will know about this company for sure and Alexis

R
R.S.

Lafayette

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, caring, and goes above and beyond for everyone in her life. She is a true gem! To know her is to love her!! Anybody would be lucky to have someone like Toni in their corner.

S
Sarah Jorden

Marksville

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

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...

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!

M
Megan C.

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

A
Annabelle D.

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!

m
maddie jo

Marksville

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions ...

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions and concerns, and her professionalism was top notch. Her phone etiquette, and calm and caring attitude was outstanding.

G
Gail

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

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Recoverable Damages in Maritime Amputation Accidents in New Iberia, LA

We will need to talk to you and investigate your maritime amputation accident before we can determine the financial value of your injury case, but it can help to understand the types of recoverable damages that people often pursue in similar injury cases. A few of the categories of money damages in cases like these include:

  • Lost income. If you did not get paid your regular earnings when you could not work because of your injuries, you could seek that lost income. You could also recover future lost earnings if your amputation means you can’t earn as much money as before.
  • Medical expenses for the treatment needed for your wounds. This category can include ambulance service, medical helicopter use, trauma center or emergency room, surgery, blood transfusions, physical therapy, doctors, hospital stays or visits, prescription drugs, pain management, and prosthetic devices.
  • Pain and suffering damages. These losses are in addition to getting your medical bills paid by the at-fault party. This category includes compensation for your physical discomfort and emotional distress.
  • Other intangible losses. Damages in this category can include disfigurement from the amputation and scars, chronic anxiety and depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.

You can tell our New Iberia maritime amputation injury lawyer about the losses you have suffered from the accident. They will advise you of the damages you could pursue as well as how much financial recovery you could receive.

Contingency Fees in New Iberia Amputation Cases

You don’t have to pass up your chance to hire legal representation if you are concerned that you don’t have enough money. You will not have to pay us upfront legal fees to handle your New Iberia maritime amputation injury case. Instead, we receive a portion of your settlement or court award as our legal fees when your case concludes. Also, with our strict no-fee guarantee, if you do not win, you do not owe us any attorney fees. It really is that simple.

branded accent

Establishing Liability for a Maritime Amputation Accident in New Iberia, LA

If you would like to proceed against the at-fault party who caused your maritime amputation accident under the legal theory of negligence, you will need to prove all four of these elements:

  • The defendant owed you a duty of care. Let’s say you are suing your employer. Louisiana employers must provide a safe workplace for their employees.
  • The defendant breached their duty of care. Your boss failed to maintain equipment in a safe working condition. Failing to live up to the standard of a legal duty of care is negligence.
  • Causation. Because of the poor maintenance of the equipment, there was an explosion near you on the Maritime vessel. The negligent maintenance of equipment caused the accident.
  • Quantifiable damages. Usually, you must have measurable losses to proceed in a personal injury case based on negligence. You lost a body part in the explosion. Physical injuries satisfy the requirement of quantifiable damages.

If we can prove all four of these elements to establish liability against the defendant, we can pursue compensation for your losses. You can work with an offshore amputation injury lawyer who will collect evidence to support your case.

Call Us Today About Your New Iberia Amputation Injury Case – Our Attorney Can Help

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you whether you decide to pursue a claim under the Jones Act or you prefer to file a lawsuit. We have more than 350 years of combined personal experience at our firm and recovered millions for our clients. People call us the

“Louisiana Attorneys That Care” because we treat them like family.
Please feel free to reach out to us today. A marine amputation injury lawyer in New Iberia, Louisiana, could help you with an injury case. We offer a free initial consultation with no obligation.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

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
big rig car accident

Blog $1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

When it comes to being injured in a car accident, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between getting $1,400,000 in 9 months i...

Read Full Article
mardi gras beads

Blog Safety Tips to Help Stay Safe During Your Mardi Gras Celebration

Mardi Gras is a grand and celebratory holiday filled with parades, live music, picnics, and much more. From the crazy costumes to the colorf...

Read Full Article
two workers in orange suits

Blog $42,000,000 Settlement for Burn Victim in Plant Explosion

What our client thought would be a normal workday at the plant left him questioning whether or not he could fulfill his role as a father and...

Read Full Article
cars driving in the fog

Blog Were You Injured in a Super Fog Vehicle Accident in Louisiana?

Early Monday morning, October 23rd, a dense “super fog,” a rare weather condition created by the mix of smoke and fog, resulted in a tragic ...

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

(337) 547-2777
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) 547-2777.