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Maritime Law and Offshore Accidents
Maritime claims involve workplace injuries that happen while at sea or offshore. Due to the high risks associated with offshore jobs, maritime law is very complex. This is why it is essential to speak to one of our Louisiana injury attorneys as soon as possible.
Maritime injuries are often debilitating physically and financially. Medical treatment and recovery time often result in loss of wages and an influx in medical bills. This makes compensation by the at-fault party necessary for survival.
Insurance companies are required to pay for these losses but often try to settle fast. By offering a "decent" compensation package before an attorney is consulted, they get off the hook for the full extent of losses, and medical issues known. We hope you will never need us, but in the event you do, we are here to help. At Stutes & Lavergne, our motto runs true. "We Protect People."
The Jones Act is a federal statute that holds vessels accountable for improper maintenance and upkeep. It also protects the workers at sea. To recover lost wages and medical expenses, a seaman must file a Jones Act claim. In addition to the Jones Act claim, they have the right to file personal injury claims against the responsible employer.
What does the Jones Act do?
The Jones Act was enforced to limit how cargo is delivered by ships. It was enacted in 1920 to ensure that U.S. Ships hired American crews. It also helps those injured at sea and ensures they and their families are compensated fairly. Like our injury attorneys, the Jones Act "Protects People."
What is Maritime Law?
Maritime laws also govern problems that arise at sea. It is sometimes called admiralty law. They handle all issues that occur while on water and govern as an independent jurisdiction. It is what protects those who work offshore. They protect seamen, passengers, ships, and cargo and ensure proper vessel licensing and registration. It was put into place to clear up any disputes and protect people and organizations who work at sea. Maritime law governs all types of waterways and helps ensure that laws are enforced to help maintain peace.
Types of Maritime Law Cases:
- Oil Rig Explosions
- Boating Accidents
- Diving Injuries
- Water Injuries
- Drownings
- Burns
- Offshore Work Injury
- Brain Injuries from Falling or Unsecured Objects
- Neck & Back Injuries
- Gangplank Injuries
- Amputations
- Muscle Strains
- Equipment Malfunction
- Exposure to Harmful Substances
- Electrocutions
What are Offshore Explosion Injury Lawyers?
Offshore injury lawyers advocate for those who are injured at sea. These claims are similar to those on land, meaning they can cause injuries that range from minor to fatal. However, because of the dangerous conditions offshore workers are required to work in, often time their injuries are more critical than most.
Offshore accidents/claims involving explosions are quite common and cause devastating and life-threatening injuries. Often, the workers suffer from severe burns or fatal injuries. Because of the many facets of the law, offshore workers may be able to collect compensation from maritime law, personal injury law, and/or Louisiana Worker’s Compensation law when involved in an explosion or offshore fire.
Our offshore injury lawyers handle cases that range from trips and falls to catastrophic explosions. If you or someone you know was hurt in an offshore explosion or other type of offshore injury, call Stutes & Lavergne personal injury attorneys today.
Tugboat & Barge Injuries
Like other maritime claims, tugboat and barge claims differ from other on-the-job injuries. These claims are complicated by the laws set in place to protect the employer.
The damages are usually catastrophic and life-altering when involved in a tugboat or barge claim. The employers often try to intimidate the victim. The depth of these losses requires specialists who refuse to be intimidated by employers. At Stutes & Lavergne, we are deeply familiar with this industry and work hard to ensure total compensation is paid.
Our Gangplank Accident Attorneys
Seamen have a dangerous job by nature. The weather, water, and other rough working conditions all prove to be a challenge for safety while on board.
Gangplanks were designed to be the safe way to load and unload from a ship. However, when management fails to do maintenance checks, what once was a safe workplace has become a potential death trap.