There is no question that working offshore is a dangerous career choice. Accidents can lead to severe, life-altering, and potentially fatal injuries. The consequences of these incidents can include the loss of income and potentially the inability to earn a living in the future.
If you live in the Bayou Area and were hurt working offshore or on a ship, workers’ compensation laws would not provide for your medical bills or other losses. Instead, you must rely on the federal Jones Act to secure the compensation you deserve. By hiring a seasoned maritime injury lawyer, you have the chance to get the benefits you are entitled to. Let our Houma Jones Act lawyer review your case and advise you on your options.
The Jones Act has been in place for over 100 years. Since 1920, it has offered workers in certain fields a path to financial compensation based on their employment-based injuries. However, this system is very different from the workers’ compensation benefits that are offered in most workplaces.
Instead of filing a claim or applying for benefits, the Jones Act lets an individual file a lawsuit against their employer for damages resulting from their injuries.
In many ways, this process is like a traditional personal injury lawsuit. A seaman is required to show that they were injured due to an act of negligence. Under the Act, a lawsuit is an option when there is evidence the employer is to blame. However, even partial fault is enough to lead to legal action.
Building a winning case can be challenging, especially without help. The good news is that a Jones Act attorney in Houma can help with every aspect of the case.
The Jones Act applies to certain maritime workers who are hurt at sea, or even on a dock or shipyard in some cases. In general, a worker qualifies if they spend 30 percent of their time working on a qualifying vessel. These individuals could fill many roles, including captains, divers, deckhands, and stewards.
Most claims come from seamen who work on a variety of vessels, from small ferries to giant cargo container ships.
These lawsuits are not always filed by workers in the shipping industry, though. Commercial fishermen have the right to file suit in some situations. The circumstances leading to an injury can also vary, from falling on deck to being struck by an object in a storm. In any of these situations, a Houma Jones Act attorney is here to help.
If you were hurt working offshore in the Bayou Area and believe your employer is to blame, you have the right to seek financial compensation under federal law. Even if they are only partially to blame, it could be possible to hold them accountable. Reach out to a Houma Jones Act lawyer today to learn more about your legal options.