The maritime industry is undeniably dangerous, and injuries need the support of an experienced Houma maritime injury lawyer. You may not know that you have options for compensation beyond the initial settlement offer or handling injuries yourself with health insurance or using PTO. When you contact a Houma personal injury lawyer, you may discover you have many more options than you first thought.
Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is a personal injury law firm established by Louisiana locals. This allows us to have a unique and elaborate understanding of the maritime industry’s dangers and maritime law’s nuances. Our core values guide our practice, which focuses on professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Thus, you can trust that you are in good hands with us.
Houma Maritime Injury Cases Can be Complicated
Maritime law is a complicated field, and the laws may vary depending on your specific role and reason for participating. For example, offshore maritime workers may receive different protections than those who work onshore, even if they are still in the maritime industry. Additionally, administrative positions may not receive the same protections as manual laborers, even if they work in the same location.
Beyond eligibility for protections in maritime law, you may be unsure whether you qualify for a maritime injury claim or lawsuit when your employer’s negligence caused the problem. In many cases, you have rights to certain compensation before you begin filing a claim against any at-fault parties.
A maritime injury lawyer in Houma can help determine which benefits you may be eligible for and the most appropriate path to take to recover the compensation you deserve. Contacting us quickly after the accident will ensure you have the most options available when we begin our work together.
Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
Know Your RightsOur expert premises liability lawyers will help you hold negligent property owners accountable.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
(504) 500-1111What a Houma Maritime Injury Attorney Does
A maritime injury attorney in Houma should be educated in the intricacies of maritime law, using this knowledge to help you navigate your case. This includes familiarity with relevant legislation such as the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Some of what this may include is:
- Investigating the accident by reviewing medical records, witness statements, or accident reports
- Negotiating with your employer, WC insurance provider, or your employer’s liability insurance to recover fair and appropriate payment or compensation
- Handling claim denials or appeals
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Acts as a point of contact for anything involving your maritime injury case
The specific action your attorney may take to support your case will vary with its unique needs, but this can provide a general idea. You may understand that you need this type of support for your case, but delay because you worry about the cost. However, our team at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers works on these cases on contingency, meaning you have no fees unless we win.
Common Injuries in a Maritime Injury Case
The injuries in maritime law cases can be life-changing and often fatal. Additionally, on a page covering frequently asked questions about the USL&H, we find that some associated injuries may include occupational diseases. However, some of the more common conditions our team sees include:
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Respiratory illness
- Spinal cord injury
- Crush injuries
- Falling overboard
- Drowning
- Amputations
Any of these injuries can be incredibly severe, leaving you to face weeks, months, or years of recovery. Some injuries may leave you permanently disabled or with long-term symptoms. In addition to time and impacts on your quality of life, they can be incredibly costly, requiring you to miss work and wages while paying medical bills.
Harmed by a Dangerous Defective Product?
We’re Here for YouOur experienced product liability attorneys will fight to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation
(504) 500-1111We Will Fight for You to Recover the Compensation You Deserve
If you are hurt on the job and qualify for a Jones Act claim, you are entitled to receive maintenance and cure immediately, regardless of who is at fault. However, if you qualify under the USL&H or need to file a Jones Act lawsuit, you can seek other kinds of compensation when you demonstrate who is at fault.
Economic Damages
During a maritime injury lawsuit, you can demand payment for your economic damages or those with an actual cost. Maintenance and cure pays for your daily living expenses and medical treatment, but you may lose crucial income and benefits. You could also require extensive care or vocational retraining if you cannot return to your job, all of which can be included in your economic damage claim.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are those claimed for the emotional experience or inconvenience of the accident. Both Jones Act and USL&H claims allow you to request non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or loss of consortium from negligent parties.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not always appropriate. However, they are allowed under the Jones Act and Louisiana law when the responsible party’s behavior is particularly egregious or malicious. These damages are intended to punish and deter the responsible party and not as compensation for your injuries. They must be awarded in a lawsuit taken before a judge.
Wrongful Death
Damages may be awarded if you have lost a loved one due to a maritime injury. This compensation can go to ongoing support of the family or dependents of the deceased and may also provide the financial cushion necessary to allow the family to grieve.
Slip and Fall Accident?
Get the Legal Support You NeedOur dedicated slip and fall attorneys will help you navigate the legal process and claim the compensation you deserve.
Speak to a Lawyer Today
(504) 500-1111Call a Houma Maritime Injury Attorney to Help You Protect Your Right to Compensation
Recovering from an injury can be painful and time-consuming. It may take valuable time away from activities you love and time with your friends and family. Our team at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers understands the impact it can have, and it is one of our primary goals to do the heavy lifting necessary to recover the compensation you deserve to get you back to your life.
We are here 24/7 to take your call. We offer free case consultations to discuss your situation, clarify your options, and help you decide how to proceed. Our clients are our top priority, and we show this time and again in our case results and video testimonials. Do not risk your future by handling this alone. Call us today for the support you deserve.