Maritime Injury Claims in Louisiana: Know Your Rights
A maritime injury is an injury or illness related to maritime work. These injuries can happen on cargo ships, fishing boats, offshore oil rigs, docks, or other offshore facilities. They may also occur during duties that support vessel operations.
Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs these claims. Unlike standard workers’ compensation cases, maritime injury claims follow federal laws such as the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Because of these laws, injured maritime workers may recover compensation that is not available under traditional labor laws.
If you suffered a maritime injury in Louisiana, our New Orleans maritime lawyers can help. Contact Cueria Law Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Maritime Lawyer?
You should speak with an attorney anytime you suffer a workplace injury. However, maritime claims are very different from ordinary workers’ compensation cases.
For that reason, you need a lawyer who understands maritime law.
A Louisiana maritime attorney can:
- Gather evidence to strengthen your claim
- Review medical records and consult experts
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File claims under the proper federal law
- Represent you in court, if necessary
- Fight for full compensation
As a result, you can focus on healing while your attorney handles the legal process.
Legal Options for Maritime Injury Victims
If employer negligence or an unsafe vessel caused your injury, you may have several legal options. In some cases, you may even file more than one claim.
Your attorney will determine which laws apply to your situation.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act protects seamen who suffer injuries due to employer negligence.
Under this law, injured workers may recover compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Other financial losses
Additionally, if a worker dies due to maritime accident, surviving family members may pursue death benefits.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides no-fault benefits to certain maritime workers.
Eligible workers include:
- Longshoremen
- Dockworkers
- Shipbuilders
- Ship repairers
- Some offshore contractors
However, these workers are not considered seamen. Therefore, they do not qualify for Jones Act protection.
Maintenance and Cure
Maintenance and Cure is a separate legal right available to injured seamen. It requires employers to pay:
- Medical treatment costs
- Daily living expenses while you recover
Importantly, you do not have to prove negligence to receive these benefits.
Unseaworthiness Claims
Shipowners must provide a seaworthy vessel. If unsafe conditions caused your injury, you may file an unseaworthiness claim.
These claims often involve:
- Faulty equipment
- Inadequate crew training
- Unsafe working conditions
Negligence Claims
In addition to Jones Act claims, maritime workers may pursue negligence claims against:
- Employers
- Vessel owners
- Third parties
For example, failure to provide proper training, safety equipment, or a safe work environment may support a negligence claim.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
Maritime work is physically demanding and often dangerous. As a result, workers face a higher risk of serious injury.
Some common causes include:
- Mechanical accidents involving heavy machinery
- Crane and winch accidents
- Vehicle collisions at port or docks
- Electrocutions from faulty wiring
- Fires and explosions
- Slip and fall accidents on wet surfaces
- Repetitive-motion injuries
- Exposure to toxic chemicals such as asbestos or benzene
- Offshore oil rig accidents
- Fallsoverboard
- Vessel sinkings
Because maritime law is complex, you should consult a Louisiana maritime attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Get Help From a Louisiana Maritime Attorney
Maritime injuries often fall outside standard workers’ compensation laws. Therefore, these cases require experienced legal guidance.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we help injured maritime workers throughout New Orleans and across Louisiana. We evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do not let complex maritime laws prevent you from protecting your rights. Contact our New Orleans maritime lawyers today to begin your path to recovery.
