Maritime work is among the most dangerous professions in the world. Whether you’re on an offshore rig, a commercial fishing vessel, or working on a barge along inland waterways, the risk of serious injury is ever-present. When accidents happen on the water, the rules are different.
While Shreveport may not be located on the Gulf Coast, many residents from the area work offshore or on river systems as part of Louisiana’s maritime and oil & gas industries. If you’ve been injured on the job while working offshore or along navigable inland waters, you need a Shreveport maritime accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges Louisiana workers face.
If you or a loved one has been hurt while working offshore or on navigable waters, here’s what you need to know, and how an experienced maritime injury lawyer can help protect your rights.
Common Maritime Accidents and Injuries
Maritime workers face tough, hazardous conditions every day. Some of the most common types of accidents that result in injuries include:
- Slip and falls on wet or unstable decks
- Crane or winch malfunctions
- Fires and explosions on oil rigs
- Collisions involving vessels or offshore platforms
- Falling overboard or equipment strikes
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Improper training or inadequate safety measures
These accidents often result in serious injuries, such as head trauma, back and spinal injuries, broken bones, amputations, or even wrongful death.
Maritime Law Is Different Than Land-Based Personal Injury Law
Unlike most personal injury claims, maritime injury cases are governed by a specialized body of federal laws—including the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and general maritime law. These laws provide distinct protections and compensation options for injured seamen, offshore workers, and dockworkers.
Because of this, not just any personal injury attorney will do. Maritime law requires specialized knowledge and experience. You need a Shreveport maritime accident lawyer who is familiar with the ins and outs of maritime law and how it applies to your specific situation.
What Is the Jones Act?
One of the most important laws for injured maritime workers is the Jones Act, which allows qualified seamen to sue their employers for negligence. Under the Jones Act, you can seek compensation if your injury was caused by:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Faulty equipment
- Poor maintenance
- Lack of training or safety gear
- Co-worker negligence
This is different from workers’ comp. Under the Jones Act, you have the right to a jury trial and can pursue damages for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future loss of earnings.
Maintenance and Cure: What You’re Entitled To
Even when no one is at fault, injured seamen are entitled to “maintenance and cure,” a legal requirement for employers to cover your basic living expenses (maintenance) and medical care (cure) while you recover.
These benefits are supposed to be paid regardless of fault, but employers and insurance companies often try to delay, deny, or underpay these claims. That’s where a knowledgeable maritime injury lawyer comes in.
What to Do After an Injury
If you’ve been hurt on the job, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Report the injury to your supervisor immediately
- Seek medical attention, don’t wait or downplay your injuries
- Document everything, including what happened, who witnessed it, and any unsafe conditions
- Do not sign anything from your employer or insurance company without legal advice
Contact a maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate your case
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Future
Maritime injury cases are complex, and time is often limited. Under the Jones Act, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, different timelines may apply based on your specific situation, so it’s best to speak with a maritime injury attorney as soon as possible.
The sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your claim can be and the better your chances of securing the compensation you need to recover and move forward. At Jack Bailey Law Corporation, we’ve spent decades standing up for injured workers across Louisiana. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s talk about your rights, your options, and how we can help you get back on course.
