Thibodaux Maritime Lawyer

Thibodaux Maritime Attorney

Maritime employment is crucial in Louisiana, and it is also incredibly hazardous. Any employees can suffer injuries in the workplace, but maritime workers are at an exceptionally high risk from many more hazards. The injuries in maritime accidents can cause permanent and lasting harm. Maritime employees may have unique options for recovering compensation, but filing these claims can be complex. A Thibodaux maritime lawyer can help employees protect their rights.

The hazards in maritime employment only increase when employers cut corners and costs. Accidents can happen even when safety regulations are followed, but they happen less often. When employers are negligent, it increases the risk of accidents and increases the significance of those accidents.

Vessel collisions, machinery malfunctions, fires, and explosions are all examples of serious accidents which may be the result of employer negligence. These employers should be held liable.

Protecting Your Workers’ Rights in Thibodaux

If you have been hurt as a maritime worker on the job, it is important that you work with an attorney who understands the unique legal options you have for compensation. At Hammond Law Firm, LLC, we can review your type of employment, the injury you suffered, and its cause to determine the compensation available to you. If your employer’s recklessness caused you to be injured, we can fight to hold them accountable for their failure.

After a severe and traumatic injury, you should not have to stress about insurance and civil claims, but you should also not have to shoulder the cost of your injuries. Our firm can handle your claim for you, investigating and gathering proof to support the claim. We can provide you with exceptional and dedicated legal representation. We want to help you obtain the most compensation available so that you can move on with your life.

Maritime Employment in Thibodaux

The maritime industry is central to Louisiana. Maritime employment includes ship engineers, captains, pilots of vessels, mates, marine oilers, crane and tower operators, sailors, and loaders for tank cars, ships, and trucks.

In Houma-Thibodaux, ship engineer jobs are at a higher concentration than anywhere in the nation. In fact, 8.49 per every 1,000 jobs are ship engineers in the area. The area employs ship and crane operators at a 17 times higher rate than the national rate. Houma-Thibodaux also has the highest concentration of employment for tank car, truck, and ship loaders.

Maritime employees work on docks, dredges, barges, rigs, other vessels, and many other worksites with high hazards. When injuries occur, employees must be able to cover their losses and support themselves and their families. When these injuries happen because their employer is careless about employee health and safety, employees can hold the employer liable.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Maritime Accident Claim?

For a typical workers’ compensation claim, you can recover partial wages, the cost of your medical bills, and specific other expenses if your employment was affected by your injuries. If you can file a civil claim against your employer, you can recover certain additional damages.

If your work and the action of your employer make you eligible for a claim under the Jones Act or other maritime laws, you could recover:

• Your medical expenses, including existing and future costs
• Lost wages or benefits from the time you were recovering
• Lost earning capacity if you can’t return to work
• The value of fixing or replacing personal property
• Pain and suffering and mental and emotional anguish
• Reduced quality and enjoyment of life
• Scarring, disfigurement, or disability
• Loss of consortium

The damages you can recover in a claim will be largely dependent on what damages you suffered in the accident or while working. Maritime injuries can be catastrophic. Catastrophic injuries tend to require costly medical treatment, often for the rest of someone’s life. These injuries also take a more significant mental and psychological toll on a person. These and other factors influence the value of a fair settlement.

What Is Maritime Law?

Maritime or admiralty law provides regulation and protection for maritime employees. Some prominent pieces of maritime law include:

• The General Maritime Law
• The Jones Act
• The Death on the High Seas Act
• The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

Under maritime law, certain employees have unique compensation options. When these employees are hurt because their employer is careless, they can file a civil claim against their employer.

How Can a Maritime Lawyer Help Me?

You are more likely to obtain maximum compensation when you work with a maritime lawyer after an accident. An attorney can help you in many ways, including by:

• Determining if you can file under the Jones Act or other maritime compensation laws
• Calculating the full cost of your damages, including the long-term costs of your injuries, the medical treatment you will need, and other personal losses
• Helping you understand the process of filing a claim
• Ensuring your claim meets necessary deadlines
• Investigating the cause of your accident and injuries and determining if your employer was negligent
• Determining if a third party was liable for your injuries
• Giving you peace of mind while you heal from your injuries
• Negotiating with the insurer or employer on your behalf
• Representing you in court
• Fighting for the full and fair compensation that you deserve

The claims process is likely to go more smoothly and be less frustrating when you have a skilled and dedicated attorney by your side.

What Are Common Claims for Maritime Accidents?

There are many types of maritime accident claims, including for accidents like:

• Collisions between vessels
• Machinery accidents, including caught-by, struck-by, and contact accidents
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Unsafe premises, leading to slip and fall injuries
• Exposure to dangerous substances
• Inhalation of chemical and other hazardous substances
• Vehicle collisions
• Electrical hazards
• Fires
• Explosions

If you were injured while completing your job duties, you likely could recover compensation, but it’s crucial that you report the incident. If you have discovered a developmental injury or illness, you should report it as soon as possible. Once you have reported the injury or condition, talk with an experienced attorney.

Protecting Your Financial Future After a Maritime Accident

At Hammond Law Firm, LLC, we can help you with your workers’ compensation, civil, or maritime law claims. We have supported many maritime workers and their families throughout difficult times like these, and we can help you find the financial recovery you need. Contact our firm today.