Maritime workers are essentially at risk of injury every day they are on the job. If you’re injured in an offshore accident, it’s important to know things like how to recover damages for your losses and what rights you have as an employee. It’s also helpful to know who is liable for offshore platform injuries in Louisiana waters.
It’s wise to hire an offshore injury lawyer if you’re filing a Louisiana offshore injury claim. Any advantage can help you secure more compensation for your injuries. Even so, it’s beneficial to understand state offshore injury laws for yourself, too. Maritime accidents are much different from most other workplace accidents when it comes to securing compensation. It’s imperative that you know why and how.
Offshore Injury Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana’s marine economy comprises over 87,000 employees. Instead of using workers’ compensation benefits, maritime employees are covered under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). These federal laws protect maritime workers both on vessels at sea and on fixed rigs.
Maritime workers face serious risks on the job. The six main causes of these types of offshore injuries include:
- Line of fire incidents
- Slips and trips
- Muscle stress
- Falls from height
- Stored energy release
- Dropped objects
Regardless of the cause of your injuries, you can turn to an offshore injury attorney in Louisiana to help you recover damages for your losses. Your attorney can evaluate your case and help you secure fair compensation for your injuries. You can typically recover damages for direct and indirect losses related to your injuries, including:
- Disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
Liability in Louisiana Offshore Platform Injury Claims
Liability in Louisiana offshore platform accidents depends on the details of the incident. It’s wise to hire an offshore injury lawyer to help you identify all possible at-fault parties. You can be sure you’re recovering the compensation you’re rightfully owed and holding all parties accountable for their actions. Common liable parties in Louisiana offshore injury claims include:
- Employers
- Owners of the platform or rig
- Third-party contractors
- Vessel owners and operators
Furthermore, approximately 56 percent of fatalities that occurred in Louisiana workplaces were under OSHA jurisdiction but were not investigated. Offshore workers are under OSHA jurisdiction, so this is indicative of potential issues with reporting injuries.
Louisiana offshore injury claims are quite different from most other types of workplace injury claims due to the difference in state and federal coverage. A local offshore injury attorney can help you navigate the nuances of the law and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
FAQs
Are Offshore Workers in Louisiana Covered by State Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Offshore workers in Louisiana are not typically covered by state workers’ compensation benefits. Instead, the majority of maritime employees are covered for injuries under one of two federal statutes. The Jones Act is for workers who qualify as “seamen,” while the LHWCA is for maritime workers who work on a fixed platform.
It’s important to know which laws you’re protected under as an offshore worker, so you know what to do if you’re ever injured on the job.
How Much Can I Recover Through a Louisiana Offshore Injury Claim?
How much you can recover through a Louisiana offshore injury claim can vary depending on how badly you were injured and how the situation occurred. It’s wise to have an offshore injury attorney evaluate your case to determine the full scope of your losses.
When you file an offshore injury claim, you can potentially recover economic and non-economic damages that cover your direct costs related to the incident, as well as more abstract losses like pain and suffering.
Can I File a Claim Against My Employer for an Offshore Injury in Louisiana?
You may be able to file a claim against your employer for an offshore injury in Louisiana, depending on the details of your case. Most other employees in Louisiana are covered by state workers’ compensation benefits, which bars them from pursuing additional legal action against their employer.
Since maritime workers are covered under federal laws instead, there may be a way to file a claim against them for negligence. An offshore injury lawyer can help you evaluate your options.
How Much Does It Cost to Work With an Offshore Injury Attorney in Louisiana?
How much it costs to work with an offshore injury attorney in Louisiana hinges on the complexity of your case and how much you recover from your claim. When you hire an offshore injury lawyer, you can expect to pay a contingency fee.
Your attorney is only going to collect their fees if you secure a settlement. They get paid as a percentage of your total compensation. This way, you can get the representation you need without the financial risk.
Hire an Offshore Injury Lawyer in Louisiana to Learn More About Your Options
If you’re involved in an offshore accident in Louisiana, let Ron Austin Law be your first call. Our skilled attorneys bring nearly nine decades of experience to the table and are nationally recognized leaders in personal injury and mass torts. We’ve handled thousands of cases and have recovered over $1 billion dollars over the years. Our past results can’t guarantee a win for your upcoming case, but they can show our commitment to our people.
Despite our big reputation, we’re still a local law firm that cares about our community. We sponsor local events for schools, youth camps, and local civic organizations in the area, and we make it our mission to provide high-quality legal support and advocacy to each client who walks through our door.
If you’re ready to discuss your situation in more detail with an offshore injury lawyer you can trust, reach out to our office in Harvey to set up an in-person appointment with a member of our team today. We’re located close to the Mississippi River on Manhattan Boulevard and 4th Street, which isn’t too far off U.S. 90.
