Maritime workers face some of the toughest and most dangerous working conditions. Whether it’s spending long stretches of time away from family or working in hazardous environments on the water, these employees dedicate themselves to providing for their loved ones. Unfortunately, when injuries occur on the job, the challenges become even greater. Unlike most employees, maritime workers are not protected by standard workers’ compensation laws, leaving them to rely on specific maritime legal protections.
At Chaz Roberts Law, our experienced Lafayette maritime injury attorneys are dedicated to helping maritime workers who have been injured due to unsafe conditions, negligence, or equipment failures. We understand the complexities of maritime injury claims and are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Types of Maritime Accidents
Maritime accidents can occur in many forms, creating serious risks for those who work in this industry. Common types of maritime accidents include but are not limited to:
|
|
Each of these accidents presents unique risks, which is why proper safety measures and training are critical to prevent catastrophic injuries. If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, contact a Lafayette maritime injury attorney to explore your legal options.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
Maritime injuries are often the result of preventable factors. However, negligence, poor training, and equipment failure create an environment where risks are heightened. Some of the most common causes of maritime injuries include:
- Equipment accidents due to maintenance neglect or defects
- Insufficient employee training
- Commercial fishing accidents caused by challenging conditions
- Operator error or inattentiveness
- Improper cargo handling procedures
- Hazardous weather conditions leading to slips, falls, or other mishaps
No matter the cause of your injury, our maritime injury lawyers in Lafayette are prepared to investigate your accident, determine fault, and hold responsible parties accountable.
Common Maritime Injuries
Maritime injuries range from minor to life-altering. Here are some of the most frequently reported injuries experienced by maritime workers:
- Head, back, and neck injuries
- Crush injuries resulting in lost limbs or amputations
- Chemical exposures leading to chronic respiratory issues
- Spinal cord injuries causing permanent disabilities
- Burns, fractures, and other bone injuries
- Repetitive-use injuries like tendonitis
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries
- Hypothermia and other cold-related complications
If you have suffered one of these on or offshore maritime injuries, it’s important to speak with a Lafayette maritime injury attorney to ensure you receive the medical care and financial compensation you deserve.
What Maritime Laws Protect You After an Injury?
Maritime workers have specific legal protections outside the realm of traditional workers’ compensation. These laws include the following:
- The Jones Act: Allows injured seamen to recover damages caused by an employer’s negligence.
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): Provides compensation for longshoremen, harbor workers, and other non-seaman personnel for work-related injuries and illnesses.
- The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA): Extends workers’ compensation benefits to those who work on the outer continental shelf.
- The Death on the High Seas Act: Provides remedies to families of maritime workers who lose their lives in international waters due to negligence.
- The Limitation of Liability Act: Limits a shipowner’s liability for damages under specific circumstances.
Familiarity with these laws is critical to determining how maritime workers can pursue justice. A knowledgeable Lafayette maritime injury attorney can help you understand your rights under these laws and guide you through the legal process.
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Maritime Injury in Lafayette?
Maritime workers injured on the job may be eligible for various forms of compensation, which could include:
- Medical costs for treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages due to time away from work
- Lost earning capacity if injuries prevent future employment
- Compensation for pain and suffering due to physical and emotional trauma
Our Lafayette personal injury lawyers recognize the financial strain that comes with such injuries and are committed to fighting for the full compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Types of Maritime Accident Claims We Handle
Our experienced attorneys handle a wide range of maritime injury claims, including but not limited to:
- Claims related to equipment or machinery accidents
- Injuries resulting from inadequate training or safety measures
- Commercial fishing accidents
- Accidents involving docks, piers, or onshore facilities
- Claims for injuries caused by operator error or poor weather preparation
If you need legal help, trust our licensed maritime injury attorneys to provide thorough case evaluations and guidance.
Maritime Injury Settlements in Lafayette
Every maritime injury case is unique, but our team at Chaz Roberts Law has a proven track record of securing settlements for injured workers in Lafayette. By hiring an experienced maritime injury lawyer who understands the nuances of these cases, you can focus on your recovery while we take care of resolving your claim.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Lafayette Maritime Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one have sustained maritime injuries and suspect negligence played a role, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. The statute of limitations for filing a maritime injury case is generally three years from the date of the accident, so acting promptly is key.
Contact our Lafayette maritime injury attorneys today to schedule a confidential consultation. We are here to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and fight for the justice and compensation you need to move forward. You don’t have to face this alone, reach out to Chaz Roberts Law today to explore your options.
To set up a no cost, no obligation consultation, contact us at
(337) 504-3202
