Houma Maritime Lawyer
Were you injured after a maritime accident on the job?
Injuries put our lives on hold and can result in some heavy financial burdens. Serious injuries often throw even more devastation into the mix, particularly if they result in permanent or temporary disabilities. An injury can put a strain on your bank account in more than one way—whether due to mounting medical expenses or lost wages while you recover.
The unfortunate truth is that maritime workers are subjected to hazardous working conditions that lead to dangerous accidents more often than in other industries. These accidents that occur in the maritime industry often leave workers feeling traumatized, hurt, and even betrayed by their employer if there was workplace negligence at play.
If you’ve been in an accident on the job, a Houma maritime lawyer from Cueria Law Firm will fight for your legal rights to fair compensation. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation on your case. We’ll work hard to ensure you receive the care and compensation you’re entitled to.
Louisiana Maritime Employment and Injury Statistics
According to a study performed by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) and Louisiana’s Community & Technical Colleges, Bayou State is home to the nation’s highest number of maritime jobs. By some estimates, as many as one in five Louisiana jobs are connected in some way to the maritime industry.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that between 2011 and 2017, the U.S. water transportation industry saw 87 fatal occupational injuries nationwide, representing a deadly injury rate almost six times that of the rate among all U.S. industries.
Maritime employees in this industry also experienced roughly 11,000 occupational injuries. Common injuries included broken bones and injuries to the back, lower extremities, and upper extremities—many resulting in disabilities.
When an accident occurs on the job, and you’re injured, it can be a painful, overwhelming, and worrisome experience. You need a team of Houma maritime lawyers to help you get the maximum compensation for your work injuries and the loss you experienced due to them.
Maritime Worker Injury Resources
Going through the ordeal of a workplace injury is trying, stressful, and painful. The good news is that you never have to suffer alone. Local resources available to you can aid you through the process of healing and moving forward with your life.
Here is a helpful resource available to maritime workers in Houma, LA.
Unique Treasures Counseling and Coaching Services
When you’ve been injured, the resulting damages aren’t necessarily only physical injuries. Serious accidents and the disabilities that can result from a maritime workplace injury often lead to struggles with depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. Unique Treasures Counseling and Coaching Services provides mental health services that can help injury victims cope.
Unique Treasures Counseling and Coaching Services
5 Security Blvd.
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 796-2170
Trusted Maritime Attorney Serving Houma, LA
Of course, your personal injury lawyer will be your most valuable resource through your maritime worker injury ordeal. The legal team at Cueria Law Firm is knowledgeable in maritime law and dedicated to providing legal assistance and helping clients recover from and get compensated for their injuries.
Some of the personal injury and related practice areas we handle include:
- Auto accidents
- Catastrophic injury
- Wrongful death
- Workers’ compensation
- Mesothelioma
- Construction accidents
FAQ: Houma Maritime Law
Is maritime law complicated?
Maritime law differs from personal injury law in many ways. Personal injury law holds negligent parties responsible for losses and damages, but it’s governed by each state’s negligence laws.
Since maritime accidents typically happen outside of any state’s jurisdiction—like on international waters—federal admiralty law governs these incidents, and personal injury cases related to maritime employees may be heard in a federal United States court.
How do I know if my injury is covered under LHWCA?
Many maritime workers who seek legal action against their employer for injuries sustained are covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)—including dock workers, pier workers, offshore workers, and other maritime employees (like an oil rig worker).
Seamen, however, are not covered under this legislation, so their process for pursuing a lawsuit against their employer for negligence may look a little different. They may have to file Jones Act claims to receive compensation for injuries sustained during duty.
Do I have to go to court for my maritime worker’s compensation claim?
In many cases, the answer is no – you may not have to go to court for your maritime injury claim. Our law firm gathers the facts and builds the evidence for your injury case with the goal of reaching a fair settlement outside of court.
However, Houma maritime injury lawyers will handle all legal aspects of your case. This includes drafting and filing documents, negotiating a settlement, and even going to court to litigate the maritime injury case if a settlement can’t be reached with the liable party.
Is there a deadline for filing a maritime workers’ compensation case?
Yes. Maritime industry injury cases have various deadlines called the Statute of Limitations (SOL). According to the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, there is a one-year time limitation.
Contact Cueria Law Firm Today
At Cueria Law Firm, we understand that after a maritime worker accident, you’re frustrated, you’re worried about the future, and you’re probably in a lot of pain. That’s why our first priority is always to ensure that you receive all the medical treatment you need to reach maximum medical improvement.
Then, we focus on navigating your legal options to get you a fair settlement that will compensate you for the medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and other personal or financial losses.
If you were injured in a maritime accident in Houma, LA, contact the legal professionals at Cueria Law Firm and schedule a free consultation. Our law office is located at 650 Poydras Street #2740, New Orleans, LA 70130.
