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Injured Barge Workers May Deserve Compensation to Set Things Right

Claims for compensation under the Jones Act are very similar to other personal injury claims. An affected worker must be able to measure how the incident has impacted their life and make proper demands from at-fault barge owners. Of course, the most immediate concern is the costs of medical care. This can include medical evacuation, emergency room care, surgery, and rehabilitation.

In addition, the incident may leave a person unable to return to work. If this is a temporary condition, the boat owner may be liable for the costs of all lost wages until the employee can return to the job. In situations where an inability to work is permanent, that boat owner may be required to provide compensation for future lost wages as well. Finally, many of these incidents are traumatic events that can affect a person’s mental health. If you are experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or other forms of post-traumatic stress, you can demand compensation for this lost quality of life as well. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you pursue a claim or lawsuit for appropriate compensation based on your specific losses.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Can Help with Your Barge Accident Case

If you have suffered an injury while working on a barge in New Orleans, you may be coping with limited mobility, a recovery process, and a complex legal path ahead of you. Fortunately, our accident lawyers can take the lead on your case, so the legal process is not an added burden for you.

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How a Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help

A New Orleans barge accident attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to help with this process. Our legal professionals can explain how federal law overrides workers’ compensation protection for maritime employees. We can investigate the situation, take the lead in gathering evidence that connects your losses to time spent at work, and demand fair payments in or out of court. We will also manage all communications with other parties involved and make in-court appearances on your behalf.

We want to secure justice and compensation for you, and we will do everything we can to make this happen. You are not alone; Our boat accident lawyer knows how to handle these kinds of cases and can fight for you. We offer strong legal representation and will defend your rights.

Give us a call today for a free consultation with a member of our maritime injury team.

Your Accident Lawyer Can Prove Fault for a Barge Workplace Injury

Traditional workers’ compensation insurance functions on a no-fault model. To collect benefits under these plans, an employee does not need to prove that their employer’s actions were responsible for the incident.

By contrast, claims for compensation under the Jones Act place the burden of proving fault for an accident on the injured employee. Much like in other personal injury claims, attorneys of injured parties must prove that it was the boat owner’s failure to keep them safe that resulted in their injuries.

We Take on Your Case While You Focus on Recovering

The New Orleans boat accident attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers could take the lead in investigating the incident that injured you. This can include speaking to other workers who observed the injury, obtaining maintenance records concerning the ship’s upkeep, discovering video footage of the incident, and even evaluating an employer’s training methods that may have left workers vulnerable to accidents.

You should not have to worry about proving fault in a claim or lawsuit when you should be taking care of yourself after an injury. We’ll do all the heavy lifting. Reach out to us today to see how we may be able to help you to gather evidence of the responsible party’s liability for your injuries. Your initial consultation with our team is free.

The Jones Act and Barge Injuries

Most workers in New Orleans enjoy protection under the state’s laws concerning workers’ compensation. These laws require almost every employer to obtain this protection and provide it to workers at no cost. Unfortunately, maritime workers are one of the key exceptions to this rule. Instead, the owners of vessels may be directly liable to their workers for injuries that occur while on the job. This is in stark contrast to workers’ compensation insurance plans that automatically cover the costs of all necessary medical care while offering cash benefits for time missed on the job.

Common Types of Barge Accidents and Injuries

If you were injured as a barge worker, then you may be eligible for compensation, regardless of the type of injury. However, there are several common causes of injuries in barge workers, and the nature of these injuries may help your lawyer determine fault. Common accidents include:

  • Being struck by equipment
  • Falling from the boat
  • Asphyxiation from lack of oxygen or toxic gas
  • Being crushed by falling objects
  • Explosions and fires
  • Slip and falls on deck or off of equipment

If you or your loved one suffered injuries as a result of accidents like these, your accident attorney can investigate the incident and determine who is at fault.

Deadlines to Know After Your Boat Accident

Specifically, 46 United States Code § 30104, known as the Jones Act, empowers the employees of boat owners to sue their employers for their losses connected to a workplace injury. Additionally, 46 United States Code § 30106 says that the time limit on these lawsuits, also called the statute of limitations, is typically three years from the date of injury.

A New Orleans barge accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers could provide you with more information about the Jones Act and the legal steps that an injured employee must take under this law. It may seem like you have a while to take action, but it is best to reach out to us soon after your accident. Our lawyers need plenty of time to work on your case. Evidence can vanish quickly, so we need to get the ball rolling right away. We want the best outcome for you.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

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.

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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.

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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...

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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Megan C.

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!

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Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is truly a blessing!

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Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

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Sandi W.

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go throu...

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go through. They checked in on us to see how things were going with DR appointment and therapy. They checked in on the phone or by text and if I had a question and I was in Lafayette and I would stop by the office one of them would come to answer my questions. I truly appreciate the response and respect that they showed to me and my husband and I would really recommend them to family and friends.

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Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation and to Secure Your Accident Attorney

A New Orleans barge accident lawyer from our firm can take the lead in the legal actions necessary in your case. We understand the Jones Act and its impact on workplace injuries in the maritime trades. Our firm can then work to gather evidence concerning your accident, tie it to the responsible party’s negligence, measure how the incident has impacted your life, and demand fair payments on your behalf.

Give us a call today for your free consultation with our client intake team. As soon as you are ready, we are prepared to take your call. We will listen to the details of your case and inform you of how we can help.

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