Maritime & Offshore Accident Lawyer in Monroe, Louisiana

In Louisiana, the import and export, shipping, as well as oil and gas industries have dominated the economy for more than a century. These maritime industries provide jobs for thousands of people in Monroe and the state overall, and truly have shaped the economic, social, political, and environmental landscape in our state for so many years.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we have a team of maritime lawyers on standby. We stay ready because Louisiana is often a “launching point” for the offshore industry. As a result, there are many ships coming and leaving that, unfortunately, may include hazardous working and weather conditions.

According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, over 700 offshore injuries have been reported since 2017. These injuries can result in lost time from work, or even more severe consequences, such as lifelong disability. Regardless of the outcome, an injury that occurs offshore can hinder your life and leave you in need of a personal injury lawyer. 

You can count on Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys to have your back whether your case falls under the Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act, Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or any other maritime statute because we have 679+ years of combined legal experience practicing maritime law in Louisiana!

How Does Maritime Law Differ from Other Types of Law?

Because they typically fall within the realm of maritime, injury lawsuits involving ships are significantly more intricate. This area of law has its own court system, set of rules, and statutes that are completely distinct from what we generally mean when we talk about law.

The Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and Death on the High Seas Act:

1. In Louisiana, there is more than one law that protects those who have been hurt in an offshore or maritime incident, like the Jones Act. Passed in 1920, this law protects oil and gas, shipping, plus other industry workers that are considered “seamen” to gain compensation for the damages that they undergo while at sea. Equally important, a seaman must spend at least 30% of their working time aboard ship to qualify for the Jones Act.
2. The good news is that for those not covered by the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) comes in handy. It guarantees workers’ compensation for on-the-job maritime injuries. Either the employer’s insurance or the Department of Labor handles the payment of benefits.
3. Another maritime law to take into consideration is the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). If someone dies at sea due to negligence of another person, the family has the right to bring a suit against the negligent party.

Considering Louisiana’s extensive coastline and reliance on offshore workers, maritime laws are important. Although the Jones Act provides protection to a large number of state employees, it’s also important to keep in mind Louisiana’s strict regulations on shipping and boating safety equipment. If these rules are broken, the negligent party can be held accountable.

What Causes Maritime Accidents?

There are many mishaps that result in catastrophic injuries because of the nature of offshore labor, however, some accidents occur more frequently than others. The following are the main causes of potentially fatal maritime injuries:

• Reckless behavior including drug and alcohol abuse
• Overexertion
• Toxic chemical exposure
• Heavy machinery that can malfunction, especially when unmaintained
• Fatigue resulting from long hours and overwork
• Machine and plant explosions
• Piracy
• Unmaintained or missing protective gear, or inadequate safety protocols
• Electric shocks
• Slip and fall accidents
• Falling overboard or from heights
• Inexperience or a lack of training

Common Types of Maritime Injuries:

Unfortunately, there are a wide variety of injuries that can be sustained in a maritime accident due to the dangerous nature of offshore work. Some common injuries include:

• Burns
• Neck and back injuries due to the demands of physical labor
• Loss of limb
• Spinal cord damage that could lead to paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
• Broken bones
• Vision loss or hearing damage
• Death
• And more

Maritime Injury Do’s and Don’ts

When it comes to maritime injuries, it’s important you take it seriously and carefully. You should not only report your injury to the appropriate authorities, but you should also:

• Visit a doctor to treat and document all your injuries
• Report the details of your injury to your employer
• Keep a record of the time and date your report was made
• If there was a crime involved, report it to the police
• Contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys for a free consultation

Along with these crucial steps, there are several things you should never do following an injury:

• Avoid any activities that could make your injury worse
• Omit from telling the employer about the injury
• Wait to seek medical attention or legal counsel after an injury

Maritime injuries are bound to happen. If you or someone you know has experienced such an accident, getting legal representation is critical if you want to protect yourself as much as possible. Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys specializes in helping people that have unfortunately experienced a maritime injury, and we can assist in making sure you gain the compensation you deserve.

For a free consultation and legal solutions when it comes to your case, contact us at 318.716.3888 or by filling out the form below. You owe us nothing if we don’t win your case, that’s the G Guarantee!