Prairieville Maritime Injury Lawyer

Experienced Maritime Injury Attorney In Prairieville, LA

If you’re injured in an offshore accident, you must follow maritime injury law to recover compensation for your losses. There are many different laws to consider depending on where you work and how you’re injured on the job. A Prairieville maritime injury lawyer can investigate the situation, gather evidence, and help you file a claim for your recovery. Beyond that, they can represent you in and out of the courtroom to secure a fair settlement.

The Prairieville personal injury lawyers at Gauthier Amedee have been helping injured offshore workers in Louisiana through complex injury claims for over 50 years. We’re familiar with cases involving the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). No matter how complicated matters get, you can count on us to be there for you.

The Louisiana Offshore Industry and Maritime Injury Laws

The maritime industry is widely considered to be the backbone of Louisiana’s economy, comprising over 4,500 businesses and more than 87,000 employees. It’s also the top state in per capita jobs related to the domestic maritime industry and reports $18.2 billion in annual economic impact.

While the state’s marine economy plays an important role in the nation’s economy, it’s also known to be dangerous for workers. Offshore companies report high rates of accidents and fatalities that affect maritime workers on land and at sea.

Depending on where you work and how you’re injured, there are different avenues for recovering damages when you’re involved in an accident. It’s important that you understand Louisiana’s maritime injury laws and how they pertain to your case. A Prairieville personal injury lawyer can walk you through your rights and recovery options.

Navigating a Maritime Injury Claim in Prairieville, LA

Maritime workers are at risk of serious injury or even death on the job. Instead of going through state workers’ compensation benefits, offshore workers in Louisiana are protected under and regulated by federal laws.

Seamen are covered under the Jones Act, while many other maritime workers follow the LHWCA. If you’re covered under the Jones Act, you may be able to file a claim against your employer for negligence to recover full damages for your losses.

Why Hire a Maritime Injury Lawyer After an Offshore Injury in Prairieville?

It can be highly beneficial to hire a maritime injury lawyer when it comes time to file a claim. Gauthier Amedee brings over half a century of personal injury law experience to the table, including cases covered under maritime injury laws. Our Prairieville personal injury lawyers have helped our clients recover millions in and out of the courtroom.*

We’re proud to be the Go2Lawyers for personal injury in Louisiana. Our firm has earned a great reputation along the way:

• 10.0 Avvo rating
• American Association for Justice
• LSU One Hundred for Fastest Growing Tiger Businesses
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum**

FAQs

What Are Common Types of Maritime Accidents and Injuries in Prairieville?

Common types of maritime accidents and injuries in Prairieville can range from minor scrapes to fatal or near-fatal wounds. Maritime injury claims may involve losses like amputations, back and neck injuries, broken bones, burns, crush injuries, drowning, and hypothermia, to name a few.

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) reported the top six causes of lost-time injuries for maritime workers:

1. Line of fire incidents
2. Slips and trips
3. Muscle stress
4. Falls from height
5. Stored energy release
6. Dropped objects

How Long Do I Have to File a Maritime Injury Claim in Prairieville?

How long you have to file a maritime injury claim in Prairieville depends on the details of your situation, including how and where the accident occurred and what federal laws you’re covered under as an offshore worker.

Under the Jones Act, you typically have three years to take legal action against an employer. However, the rules and statute of limitations under the LHWCA are different. For starters, this system operates more like traditional workers’ compensation, making benefits an exclusive remedy.

What Damages Can I Recover Through a Maritime Injury Claim in Prairieville?

What damages you can recover through a maritime injury claim in Prairieville can vary depending on whether you’re navigating an injury claim under the Jones Act or through the LHWCA. You can recover the full scope of damages under a Jones Act claim, including:

• Disfigurement
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Maintenance and cure
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering

Recoverable damages under the LHWCA are more limited, covering medical and rehabilitation costs, wage replacement, and death benefits for dependents.

What Is Maintenance and Cure in a Louisiana Maritime Injury Claim?

Maintenance and cure are recoverable damages in a Louisiana maritime injury claim under the Jones Act. This is a no-fault maritime law that requires employers to pay injured seamen’s daily living costs and medical care after an accident on the job.

Maintenance includes things like food, mortgage interest, property taxes, rent, and utilities. Cure covers costs related to doctor’s visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and prescription drugs. You can expect these payments to stop after your recovery.

Hire a Prairieville Maritime Lawyer to Discuss Your Recovery Options After an Offshore Accident

Being injured on the job can impact your life in a number of ways. In the wake of a maritime accident, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and options for recovery under state and federal maritime injury laws.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do this on your own. It’s recommended that you secure legal representation from a Prairieville maritime injury lawyer with experience handling cases like yours.

For over 50 years, Gauthier Amedee has been helping our clients recover compensation after serious offshore accidents. If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help with your case, reach out to our office near you to schedule an initial consultation with a team member today.

We serve our clients from two convenient locations in southeastern Louisiana. You can find us in Gonzales between I-10 and US-61 and in Baton Rouge near I-110 and I-10.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.