Louisiana maritime laws like the Jones Act were designed to provide employees with protection if an injury occurs while working out at the sea. The legislation enables employees who have suffered an injury due to someone else’s carelessness to seek restitution for damages.
Under maritime law, if you were injured whole loading or unloading commercial vessels on the docks or during a boating accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for subsequent medical treatment and other related expenses. Additionally, injuries suffered offshore at an oil rig or while receiving transportation via helicopter or boat to the oil rig are also covered.
Furthermore, the Harbor Workers’ Compensation and the Longshore Act may provide additional coverage for workers who are out to sea. The Death on the High Seas Act could apply to families whose loved one died while performing work out at sea. Maritime legislation is complex, but our lawyers might be able to determine which law provides the appropriate protection for the injured sea worker.
Injuries suffered while on the job could seriously and negatively affect your quality of life. An attorney with knowledge of maritime laws might be able to scrutinize the evidence surrounding your case to determine which law applies to your situation. The compensation awarded through a claim could account for wages lost while recovering, medical expenses and vocational rehabilitation under some circumstances. Anyone who is interested in learning more about what do if an employee is injured out at sea, please visit our page on maritime law.
Source: Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson LLC, “Louisiana Maritime Law Attorneys”, August 20, 2014
Source: Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson LLC, “Louisiana Maritime Law Attorneys”, August 20, 2014
