Even during calm weather or seas, a sudden deckhand accident could occur and result in harsh physical injuries. After this type of accident in New Orleans, workers in these industries typically must pursue their employers for their losses directly since these professions are usually exempt from workers’ compensation laws.
Federal Law Places a Strict Time Limit on Jones Act Lawsuits
Lawsuits for deckhand injuries resemble personal injury lawsuits that result from any other accident. The injured party must show that their employer’s failure to keep them safe resulted in their injury. This negligence may involve proving a failure to provide proper safety gear, inadequate security measures, a lack of training, or even an unseaworthy vessel.
In addition, the law places a time limit on when these lawsuits are appropriate. Also known as the statute of limitations, courts may refuse to hear a case if this time limit has expired. According to 46 United States Code §30106, the general time limit on lawsuits under the Jones Act is three years from the date of the incident.
The legal team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers could provide more information about how deckhand injury cases closely resemble lawsuits that allege personal injury. We can also work to ensure that a case is not dismissed because of an inability to file a lawsuit within the legally prescribed time limits.
