Maritime and Offshore Injury Attorneys in Baton Rouge & Lake Charles, Louisiana
There are three federal laws that protect employees who work on or near the water. They are:
- The Jones Act – This act offers protection for injured seamen. This law allows you to make a compensation claim if your injury was due to the negligence of the captain, the crew members or the vessel’s owner.
- General Maritime Law – Jones Act seamen can also recover against their employer and others under the General Maritime Law. This claim is known as an Unseaworthiness claim and can result from conditions on the vessel or with the crew. Even those that do not qualify as Jones Act Seamen can recover against those who cause they harm through their negligent conduct.
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act – Offers coverage for those working on or near the water if they are not Jones Act Seamen, including to platform workers on offshore oil rigs.
One of our experienced lawyers can review the details of your injury claim to guide you as to which laws apply to you. Then, we will devise a strategy that to help you achieve the compensation you deserve. Talk to one of our team members today.
Aggressive Legal Counsel For Maritime-Related Injuries
There are perils involved in working on a vessel or offshore oil rig. Some of those same perils are present when working at the harbor or dock. Many of these perils are very different than working shoreside. You may fall or incur an injury due to rough waters, slippery surfaces or unworthy sea equipment, where there is no ambulance to swiftly come to your aid. At Simien & Simien, LLC, we are highly knowledgeable in maritime law and will help you fight for full and fair financial compensation, if you’ve been injured on the job.
A critical injury puts life on hold. When you can’t work, you have no income, yet high medical and rehabilitation expenses. If you are seriously harmed due to your maritime occupation, you need to talk to our experienced, aggressive legal team who know what needs to be done in the various maritime claims that you may have.
Common Types Of Maritime Injuries
We can guide you if you have been injured in any of these types of accidents:
- Vessel and equipment failure – Many fisherman and deck hands have incurred injuries due to vessel and equipment failures.
- Negligence of your captain, employer or crew mates – Unsafe behavior of others can cause accidents and serious physical harm.
- Slip and falls – Slippery boat decks or other surfaces, many times because some negligently leaves substances on them, may account for serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries and other broken bones.
- Lift and transport accidents – Transporting of crew in lifts and baskets to a rig or other structure is a dangerous operation if not properly performed.
- Dangerous substances – Inhaling fumes, gas or other harmful substances due to faulty equipment can cause critical physical illnesses.
- Fires, collisions and explosions on vessel or offshore rigs – Many oil rigs use workers from multiple companies. If untrained on specific equipment, they may make errors that result in serious injuries.
- Numerous other avoidable incidents that result in serious injury to seamen and other working in the maritime environment
If your injury falls into one of these categories, you need to speak with a maritime attorney to learn your legal options. We have helped numerous injured seamen, rig works and other working in the maritime industry, along with others injured in dangerous jobs. We can and will advocate for your rights. Helping you recover from serious injuries and recovering damages is our goal.
Wrongful Death Cases
If a loved one has died due to a maritime accident, do not hesitate to call our office. We understand how emotional and difficult this time is. We aim to provide some solace by taking a closer look at the details and determining if a wrongful death claim is warranted.
Contact An Experienced Maritime Attorney – Free Initial Consultation
Our lawyers know maritime law. If you have incurred a Jones Act or other maritime injury, call and talk to one of our compassionate lawyers today, at 225-224-2222 or write us an email for a free case review, to determine your next steps.
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