Louisiana Offshore Accident Lawyer

Louisiana Offshore Accident Attorney

Maritime employees face unique risks every day on the job, which is why they are covered by unique laws and federal statutes when it comes to handling an injury in the workplace. Offshore accident cases can be difficult to navigate, which is why it’s recommended that you speak to a Louisiana personal injury lawyer after an injury. A Louisiana offshore accident lawyer can help you understand your recovery options and represent you throughout your case.

Offshore Accident Cases in Louisiana

Louisiana has a booming maritime industry, comprising approximately 4,592 businesses and more than 87,000 employees. The Louisiana Gateway Port alone handled 50.5 million tons of cargo in a single year. It ranked 13th out of all U.S. ports in recent years.

With greater popularity comes more accidents. Workers on ports and ships can experience serious injuries during their work, which can prevent them from earning an income while they recover.

It’s important to understand Louisiana’s offshore accident laws, especially because they’re different from those that protect most other workers throughout the state. Instead of being offered workers’ compensation coverage through their employer, maritime workers are covered under federal statutes. Namely, offshore accident cases involve:

• The Jones Act. Also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act protects all maritime employees who are classified as “seamen.” Under the Jones Act, injured parties are permitted to pursue legal action against their employer for negligence.
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. The LHWCA covers maritime employees who work on fixed platforms rather than on a vessel. It is essentially a federal version of a state workers’ compensation program, offering an exclusive remedy for recovery after an offshore accident.

Navigating an offshore accident case can be complicated, which is why it’s recommended that you reach out to a Louisiana personal injury lawyer. With a legal professional on your side, you can focus on your physical recovery and work toward securing the financial compensation you’re rightfully owed.

The definition of who qualifies for each form of compensation can be difficult to understand. Speak to a Attorney Tedrick Knightshead for more information on whether you are considered a seaman or a maritime worker.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for an Offshore Accident Case in Louisiana?

Many people think they can recover from their injuries independently. While this might be the case, it is often beneficial to work with an established legal team. Victims who seek legal counsel typically receive a more substantial settlement that sets them up for the future. Knowing the right questions to ask can help you feel more confident when choosing someone to handle your case.

Knightshead Law Firm is a great choice for a law firm that can support you after an offshore accident. We have over 15 years of experience and prioritize the autonomy of our clients in making decisions for themselves. Our goal is to help our victims recover so that they can feel whole again.

FAQs

What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries That Lead to Offshore Accident Cases in Louisiana?

The most common types of injuries that lead to offshore accident cases in Louisiana include:

• Crush injuries
• Fall injuries
• Equipment failure injuries
• Injuries from dropped objects
• Line-of-fire injuries
• Slip-and-fall injuries
• Transportation injuries

Line-of-fire injuries specifically were the leading cause of lost-time injuries in the maritime industry in 2024. This refers to injuries severe enough to require time off work. Understanding the nature of your injuries can help you determine who to hold liable when you file to recover damages.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Louisiana Offshore Accident Case?

What damages are recoverable in a Louisiana offshore accident case depend on the details of the situation. Recoverable damages in these types of cases typically include disability and disfigurement, lost wages and earning capacity, maintenance and cure, medical expenses and related costs, and pain and suffering.

The exact amount you can recover can vary based on the scope of your losses and the strength of your claim. A Louisiana offshore accident lawyer can help you recover full compensation.

Who Can I File an Offshore Injury Claim Against After an Accident in Louisiana?

Who you can file an offshore injury claim against after an accident in Louisiana depends on the nature of the incident, such as where it took place and how exactly it occurred. More than one party can be at fault in these types of accidents.

Common at-fault parties include employers, equipment manufacturers, rig owners and operators, vessel owners and operators, and third-party contractors. If the LHWCA covers you, you typically don’t have to worry about establishing fault.

How Much Can I Expect to Pay to Hire an Offshore Accident Lawyer?

How much you can expect to pay to hire an offshore accident lawyer ultimately depends on how much you recover and how difficult it was to settle your case. Most Louisiana personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, which they only collect if you recover damages.

That way, you can focus on securing the compensation you’re rightfully owed without risking the loss of more money. You can typically discuss pricing in more detail before you commit to hiring an attorney.

Hire an Offshore Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Options After an Offshore Accident in Louisiana

If you’re injured on the job, it’s imperative that you understand Louisiana’s offshore accident laws to secure fair compensation for your losses. You don’t have to become a professional on your own. Instead, you can turn to a Louisiana offshore accident attorney who has experience working on cases like yours.

For over a decade and a half, Louisianans have been turning to the Knightshead Law Firm to guide them through complex maritime accident cases. As a local law firm, we have experience working on cases involving contractors, manufacturers, owners, and operators throughout the state. We’re also familiar with federal offshore accident laws.

If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, come and see us at our office in Baton Rouge. You can find us on Government Street near the I-10 and I-110 interchange. Contact the office to set up an initial appointment to discuss your situation in more detail, and we can start working on your strategy.