Baton Rouge Maritime Lawyer for Injured Workers and Passengers
Were you injured while working on the water?
Did a maritime accident leave you hurt and unsure of what to do next?
Although maritime work is dangerous by nature, many accidents happen for preventable reasons. Too often, employers cut corners or vessel owners ignore required safety measures. As a result, crew members, longshoremen, and passengers suffer serious and life-altering injuries.
Fortunately, you do not have to face this situation alone.
The first step toward protecting your rights is speaking with a Baton Rouge maritime lawyer who understands these complex cases.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we stand up for injured maritime workers throughout Louisiana. Our legal team has built a strong reputation for holding negligent employers and vessel owners accountable.
Understanding Maritime Law in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge sits along the Mississippi River, placing it at the center of one of the busiest inland waterways in the country. Because of this location, the area sees constant commercial vessel traffic, including:
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Barges transporting bulk commodities
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Tugboats and tow vessels
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Large ships involved in interstate and international trade
In addition, Louisiana’s coastal waters support offshore drilling and commercial fishing operations. Each of these industries carries unique risks and falls under specialized maritime laws.
Maritime law applies to navigable waters, including rivers, lakes, harbors, and open seas. In Baton Rouge, this includes the Mississippi River, nearby ports, and surrounding waterways.
As a result, maritime claims in this region often involve:
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Injuries to vessel crew members
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Claims by longshoremen and harbor workers
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Passenger injuries aboard commercial or recreational vessels
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Vessel collisions and allisions
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Cargo loss or damage
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Salvage and towage disputes
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Pollution and environmental damage claims
Unlike standard personal injury law, maritime law relies heavily on federal statutes and court decisions. In many cases, federal law overrides state law, creating a highly specialized legal framework.
Federal Laws That Govern Maritime Claims
Several federal laws form the backbone of maritime litigation in Louisiana. Understanding these statutes is critical when pursuing compensation.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act protects seamen injured while working aboard vessels. It allows injured workers to file negligence claims directly against their employers.
Importantly, the law requires employers to provide a reasonably safe work environment. When they fail to meet that duty, injured seamen can seek compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
The LHWCA provides workers’ compensation benefits to longshoremen, harbor workers, and other maritime employees injured on navigable waters or adjacent loading areas.
In most cases, this law serves as the exclusive remedy. However, certain exceptions may allow additional legal claims.
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
DOHSA applies when a death occurs more than three nautical miles from shore. It allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims for financial losses.
However, the law limits recovery to economic damages and does not compensate for emotional loss or loss of companionship.
General Maritime Law
Beyond statutes, federal courts shape maritime law through long-standing legal principles. General maritime law governs issues such as:
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Vessel collisions
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Salvage rights
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Maritime liens
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Contract and tort disputes
Types of Maritime Workers We Represent
A Baton Rouge maritime lawyer may represent many types of workers connected to vessel operations, including:
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Seamen, such as deckhands, engineers, and captains covered by the Jones Act
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Longshoremen and harbor workers covered primarily by the LHWCA
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Offshore oil and gas workers on rigs, platforms, and vessels
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Ship pilots and towboat operators navigating inland waterways
Because worker classification directly affects legal rights, your attorney will carefully evaluate your role, duties, and injury location.
Vessel Collisions and Maritime Liability
Vessel collisions and allisions frequently lead to serious maritime claims. To determine liability, courts apply federal navigation rules known as the Rules of the Road.
Vessel operators must maintain a proper lookout, follow navigation signals, and take timely evasive action. When they fail to do so, collisions occur.
In many cases, courts apply comparative fault, meaning more than one party may share responsibility. As a result, damages may include:
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Vessel and cargo damage
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Environmental cleanup costs
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Medical expenses and lost income
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Wrongful death damages
Speak With a Baton Rouge Maritime Lawyer Today
Maritime accidents often cause devastating injuries and long-term consequences. If you were injured while working offshore or traveling aboard a vessel, you may have the right to compensation under maritime law.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, our Baton Rouge maritime lawyers understand both the law and the realities injured workers face. We take action quickly, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today and let us help you take the next step forward.
