Gonzales Offshore Injury Lawyer

Gonzales Offshore Injury Attorney

Working offshore carries unique risks. If you’ve been injured at sea, the law gives you specific protections. A Gonzales offshore injury lawyer is equipped to help you use those protections to seek a proper recovery.

Experienced Offshore Injury Lawyers in Gonzales

When offshore companies cut corners, workers pay the price. That’s where Knightshead Law Firm comes in. We’ve fought to hold employers accountable for over 15 years. If you’ve been hurt offshore, we’ll go head-to-head with the other side so you don’t have to. Offshore injuries are just one of the many cases a Gonzales personal injury lawyer can help you with.

What Qualifies as an Offshore Injury?

If you were hurt while working offshore, you might have a claim. Many different types of accidents count as offshore injuries. Here are some examples of what might qualify:

• Rig accidents. Accidents are all too common on oil rigs. It’s a rough environment. When safety protocols are compromised, people can get seriously hurt.
• Vessel injuries. Things can go south fast on a vessel. Slippery decks and mechanical issues make vessels a risky place to work.
• Injuries from lifting equipment. Lifting-related accidents made up 375 incidents in 2023, according to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) data. Heavy lifts can crush limbs. Faulty communication often plays a part.
• Exposure to chemicals. Breathing in toxic fumes can cause long-term damage. In 2023, 106 gas releases were reported. These injuries are often downplayed. But they’re serious.
• Electrical hazards. Fires broke out 149 times offshore in 2023. That’s a lot. And when you’re miles from land, help isn’t around the corner. Burn injuries can leave lasting scars.

These are just examples. Every case is a little different. If you’re not sure whether your injury counts, it’s worth asking.

Legal Rights of Injured Offshore Workers

If you work offshore and get hurt, you don’t have to just tough it out. There are legal protections in place for individuals in your position. Some workers are covered under the Jones Act. Others might fall under general maritime law.

The Jones Act gives seamen the right to file a claim if they’re hurt because of someone else’s carelessness. It’s also possible to file because the vessel was unsafe. That means you could be owed damages for things like lost wages. There’s also something called “maintenance and cure”. It’s a fancy way of saying your employer has to cover your living expenses and medical treatment while you recover. They’re supposed to do this no matter who’s at fault.

If you don’t qualify as a seaman, you might still be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). These cases are different. But they can still help you get support while you’re out of work.

Why Hire an Offshore Injury Lawyer

Handling an offshore injury case requires navigating numerous administrative hurdles. It can involve dealing with corporate defense lawyers.

Having an experienced offshore injury attorney helps you avoid common mistakes that can damage your claim.

Lawyers have handled cases like this before. We are aware of how employers attempt to shift the blame. We delve into the details and can use them to build your case. Once they know you’ve got legal support, they stop playing games.

What Do I Do After an Offshore Injury?

First off, don’t try to tough it out. Get checked out by a medical professional, even if you think you’ll be fine. Small injuries turn into big problems when they’re ignored.

Next, report the injury to your supervisor. If they won’t write it up, write it down yourself. Keep a copy. Same with any medical records. You might need this evidence later.

Whatever you do, don’t sign anything until you’ve talked to a lawyer. Some companies move fast to protect themselves. That can leave you at a disadvantage. If you’re unsure about what to do, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can help you figure out what makes sense.

Why Choose Us?

Knightshead Law Firm is not a big box firm. We’re small because it lets us keep our cases personal. We’re also local. Offshore work runs deep in this part of the country.

We understand what it takes to hold employers accountable when things go sideways. We won’t pretend every case is easy. But we will be honest about what you’re up against.

FAQs

Q: Can I File a Claim Under the Jones Act in Gonzales?

A: You can file a claim under the Jones Act if you qualify as a seaman in Gonzales, Louisiana. This applies if you got hurt because of someone’s carelessness or an unsafe vessel. It’s not always easy to prove these cases, but it’s doable with a solid plan. Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out whether or not you qualify as a seaman. A lawyer can help with that.

Q: What if My Employer Refuses to Report My Offshore Injury?

A: If your employer refuses to report your offshore injury, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. This happens more than you’d think. File a report yourself and keep a copy. Some people have bosses who tell them to “walk it off”. That’s not how this should go. You’re allowed to speak up.

Q: How Do You Prove Negligence in an Offshore Accident?

A: To prove negligence in an offshore accident, it takes work. The law requires you to show that someone failed to use reasonable care. That failure has to have caused your injury. A lawyer helps injured workers gather the facts. Under the Jones Act, even a small amount of employer fault can be enough to support your claim.

Q: Is There a Difference Between a Maritime Injury and a Regular Personal Injury Claim?

A: There is a difference between a maritime injury and a regular personal injury claim. Each claim has its own set of laws that govern it. Claims that follow the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act have their own rules for filing under federal law. A regular personal injury claim usually falls under state law.

Representing Your Interests

Offshore work is dangerous. Recovery can feel even harder. Don’t let insurers call the shots. If you’ve been hurt, don’t brush it off. Schedule a consultation with Knightshead Law Firm for a group that will go to bat for you.