Types Of Maritime Injuries in New Orleans and Your Legal Rights

By Peirce A. Hammond II

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Admiralty Maritime

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Last Modified on Apr 23, 2026

The New Orleans coast has one of the most active maritime industries in the country. Whether you are working to ship cargo, on an offshore oil rig, as a commercial fisherman, or a dock worker, you do have legal protections if you are injured while on the job. Learning about the types of maritime injuries in New Orleans and your legal rights can help you take the right path forward to recover from your injury.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, you should hire a maritime injury lawyer for guidance. Louisiana’s maritime injury laws are complex, requiring knowledge of legal standards in the New Orleans Parish as well as federal maritime laws and regulations. An experienced New Orleans maritime injury attorney can explain your legal options for your injury.

Understanding Your Rights in a Maritime Injury Claim

In Louisiana, about one in five jobs is related to the maritime industry. These employees have the same right to a fair and safe workplace as other New Orleans employees. Maritime employers have a duty to minimize the chances of employee injuries through careful adherence to safety guidelines and maritime laws. Even if an accident wasn’t the fault of your employer, there may still be an avenue to compensation.

If you are recovering from an injury, it is important to know that Louisiana’s maritime injury laws do protect your right to file a claim against your employer. These laws offer more specific protections for maritime employees compared to broad workers’ compensation benefits, though specific requirements must be met.

Common Maritime Injuries Along the Louisiana Coast

Maritime work is an essential yet dangerous industry, with a fatality rate that is 4.7 times higher than the overall rate for U.S. workers. So many accidents can happen from being in a shipyard or on the sea. Some of the most common accidents in a maritime injury case include:

• Slip and fall accidents. It’s easy to lose your footing on docks or vessels when wet surfaces or oil residue are left behind. Slips, trips, and falls make up 38.3% of maritime occupational accidents.
• Dock injuries. Your legal rights don’t only cover when you’re at sea. When negligence leads to injuries on the Port of New Orleans, such as from machinery like forklifts or cranes, or being caught between a vessel and the dock, you may be able to file a claim.
• Exposure to hazardous substances. Without adequate protective equipment, training, or responsible storage practices, the hazardous materials onboard a vessel can cause injury, especially with repeated exposure. These substances may include asbestos, benzene, and other fuel-related chemicals, heavy metals, or ammonia.
• Unsecured object accidents. With waves, wind, and vessel maneuvers, cargo can easily shift. Without machinery and cargo properly secured, you can experience crush injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other catastrophic injuries.
• Vessel accidents. While vessel accidents are some of the most uncommon maritime injuries, they can be some of the most severe. In some cases, a vessel accident may leave loved ones filing a wrongful death action.

Your Ability to Recover Compensation After a Maritime Injury

Receiving compensation is one of the primary reasons to file a claim. The impacts of a maritime accident can be devastating to your physical and mental health, as well as placing a huge financial burden on your shoulders.

Your compensation depends on the damages you have suffered and their severity. A New Orleans personal injury lawyer can help you include your recoverable damages in your claim, so you can move forward after the accident. Some of the losses that compensation may include are:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lowered earning potential
• Pain and suffering

FAQs

What Is the Most Common Injury in Sailing?

One of the most common sailing injuries is a slip and fall injury. This may include bruising, lacerations, bone fractures, or even traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If you sustained this injury while working, or as a result of another’s negligence, you should speak with a New Orleans maritime injury lawyer about recovering compensation for your injury.

Is Louisiana Under Maritime Law?

Yes, Louisiana is subject to maritime law when it comes to the coastline, major shipping channels like the Mississippi River, and access to navigable waters. However, working under maritime law in Louisiana is not as simple as following federal regulations. State and parish-specific laws may also apply in certain situations, including maritime employee injuries, which is why it is a good idea to consult a lawyer for individual advice.

Why Should You Hire a Maritime Injury Lawyer?

A lawyer is essential when filing a maritime injury claim, as they can explain complex laws and gather evidence to build a strong claim. A lawyer understands what laws apply to your case, which can impact the claims process and what compensation you are eligible to receive. Then, a lawyer can collect evidence to support a claim under these standards, which may include employment records, incident reports, witness statements, medical records, or maintenance logs.

Can You File a Claim in a Recreational Maritime Accident?

Yes, a maritime injury case can involve recreational activities, not just maritime employees. Accidents involving recreational boating, jet skis, or even being a passenger on a cruise ship can fall under maritime injury laws. In general, you can file a delictual action if another party’s negligence led to the accident you were injured in. A New Orleans maritime injury attorney can explain if your case is legally actionable.

Speak With a New Orleans Maritime Injury Lawyer Today

Maritime accidents are complex, requiring in-depth knowledge of various legal protections, employee rights, and how accidents happen. At Hammond Law Firm, LLC, we have years of trial experience when it comes to workers’ compensation and maritime accidents, allowing us to guide you through the legal process with ease.

Our attorneys are committed to providing personalized attention when building a claim, tailoring our evidence and arguments to your personal experience and injury. If you have been injured, working with a team that understands your rights on the water matters. Contact Hammond Law Firm, LLC, for a free case consultation.