The maritime industry has long played a crucial role in the American economy, and this work is as important as it is dangerous. Accidents can happen onboard a vessel or while it is being repaired in drydock, often with catastrophic consequences. Thankfully, a local personal injury attorney can help you pursue justice.
The process of pursuing financial damages after a maritime injury in the Bayou Area can be complex. There are multiple federal laws that decide if compensation is available, and each of them can be challenging to navigate alone. Reach out to a Houma maritime and offshore injury lawyer today to learn more.
A seaman is a person who works as a crew member of a vessel on rivers, offshore waters, or oceans. Offshore vessels include drill ships, jack-ups, floating barges, diving vessels, cruise ships, tankers, cargo ships, fishing boats, and other work-related water worthy crafts.
Seamen contribute to the functioning and operation of the vessel, and only a seaman can recover damages under the Jones Act. We have the experience to help determine your seaman status and move forward with a maritime injury lawsuit to recover compensation. We can help you recover:
This litigation must occur within three years of the injury.
The Jones Act is a crucial piece of federal legislation that applies to a large number of accidental injuries at sea. It gives seamen who were hurt in a maritime or offshore accident the chance to recover compensation for their injuries. This law—which has been in place since 1920—works in a way that is similar to workers’ compensation rules. However, there are some notable differences between the two.
Unlike a workers’ compensation claim that allows a person to file for benefits even if they were at fault, the Jones Act requires seamen to prove that their employer’s actions were negligent, or that your injuries were the result of the condition of the vessel. This process also involves filing a civil lawsuit instead of going through an administrative claims system.
In the end, these cases can result in costly, time-consuming litigation. This is why it is always valuable to have the support of strong legal counsel on your side. An attorney in Houma can investigate offshore and maritime accidents, determine who is at fault, and seek the money that you need and deserve.
Better known as the LHWCA, this federal law provides individuals who work in or around the maritime industry with a path to benefits for employment-related injuries. These benefits are generally available to workers who do not qualify for relief under the Jones Act.
One major difference from the Jones Act is that the eligible claimants are individuals who work on docks or dry land, and in a field related to the maritime industry. They include longshoremen and dock workers, as well as anyone else who is employed to construct, repair, or demolish ships in shipyards.
Another important difference from the Jones Act is that the LHWCA only authorizes an injured party to sue their employer on a negligence claim under special circumstances. Also, it operates in a way that is similar to workers’ compensation claims, where the employee could be entitled to benefits even if he/she is at fault.
Navigating this system can be challenging, especially without help. It is important for Houma workers to have the support and counsel of a maritime and offshore injury lawyer every step of the way.
There are countless ways to suffer injuries working offshore or in a harbor. Slick surfaces and harsh weather can lead to slips, trips, and falls. Exposure to harmful or toxic materials are also common. In addition, major burn injuries can occur when explosions or fires break out on a vessel. This can occur from mechanical failure or a collision with another ship. An attorney can help determine the cause and find the best way to get your financial compensation.
Working offshore or on boats can be a dangerous profession. If you were hurt while working in the maritime industry, you are entitled to seek money under a number of federal laws. Reach out right away to speak with a Houma maritime and offshore injury lawyer from the Law Office of Patrick Yancey.