MARITIME INJURY
Do You Need a Maritime Injury Lawyer?
Catastrophic injuries on vessels and boats can change a victim’s life forever. While the laws protecting workers at sea are different from the laws protecting land-based workers, our New Orleans maritime accident attorneys have the experience to help you navigate the system’s waters and increase the recovery you deserve. We will take steps to protect your rights and make you feel safe and confident about our ability to bring you the results you require.
Background
The US maritime industry plays an important role the national propriety, contributing close to $500 billion to the national economy and supporting more than two million employees. Unfortunately, accidents do happen which can gravely endanger the lives of people working on these vessels. When such accidents or incidents occur on water vessels or any watercraft, victims need to have a way of seeking regress for their injuries and suffering.
Examples of the types of maritime injury claims include:
- Defective decks and unsafe vessel equipment
- Failure of the ship’s owner to ensure a vessel is seaworthy
- Failure to perform routine and frequent maintenance checks
- Failure to repair ship parts, components, and equipment that have been deemed malfunctioning
- Inadequate safety training to seamen prior to performing their assigned duties
- Lifting injuries aboard vessel
- Loss of or damage to a body part
- Negligent vessel operation by captain and/or crew
- Physical injury caused by severe weather
- Ship collisions
- Slips, trips, and falls
What to do if You are Injured on a Vessel or Boat?
Proper medical treatment is our first concern of any individual involved in an offshore accident. There are different maritime laws for victims of maritime-related injuries. Our maritime accident attorneys and experienced boat accident lawyer new orleans are dedicated to getting you the proper medical treatment you deserve under these laws. Our job is to handle the stress, fear, and risk while you focus on healing.
Jones Act
Many offshore accidents involve the Jones Act, which covers only those working 30% or more of their time on a vessel in navigation. Under the Jones Act, you may have a claim against your employer for negligence, as well as the vessel owner, captain or crew members. The Jones Act allows you to seek recovery for any damages you suffered due to your company’s negligence. Compensation is owed if they caused your accident or could have prevented it and didn’t. Your recovery under the Jones Act includes pain and suffering, any money or wage losses you suffered or will suffer, and all medical costs, past and future.
Maintenance and Cure Benefits
In addition, injured seaman may be eligible for maintenance and cure. Maintenance is a daily worker’s compensation rate paid by the employer for seamen to use for living expenses until they are released from doctor’s care. Cure is your employer’s obligation to provide reasonable medical costs from a doctor you select to treat your injuries.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides compensation for injuries sustained by maritime workers not covered under the Jones Act.
What is a 905(b) claim?
Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, workers can file a third-party injury claim against the vessel owner for negligence. This claim essentially bridges the gap in coverage between the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Contact a New Orleans maritime lawyer at our firm today to see if this information applies to you or if you have questions.
Get Answers from Experienced New Orleans Maritime Lawyers
Not all personal injury law firms have the experience and skills to properly handle your maritime injury claim. We work hand in hand with our clients in order to fully understand their situation and prove negligence. By collecting as much relevant and factual information as we possibly can from our clients, we can build a formidable case which allows us to obtain the most favorable settlement or verdict that our clients seek. You need a legal team that understands what laws apply and how to pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. We are here to put you first. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
