The Maritime industry is inherently dangerous, and if you have been injured on the job or on a vessel, you need the support of an experienced LaPlace Jones Act lawyer to help you navigate the process and protect your rights to compensation.
At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we have over 30 years of combined experience serving the LaPlace community. We have recovered over $ 100 million for our clients. Whether your injury was caused by a genuine accident or negligence, a LaPlace maritime injury lawyer will work with you to maximize the value of your claim and help you get back on your feet.
Our LaPlace Jones Act Attorney Can Help You Obtain Benefits Protected by the Jones Act
The Jones Act protects injured maritime workers regardless of who is at fault. A no-fault claim might ensure maintenance and cure. However, if your injuries result from negligence, your compensation options may even extend beyond coverage for medical treatment and daily living costs.
Medical Costs
Whether you file a no-fault claim or civil lawsuit, the Jones Act allows you to claim damages for medical costs. This can include the cost of treatment, prescriptions, and travel costs associated with making your appointments. Depending on your injury, our LaPlace personal injury lawyers may advocate for compensation of expected future medical costs.
Lost or Unearned Wages
If you are injured and unable to work due to those injuries, you are often eligible for compensation for the wages you missed. The type and amount of repayment may be different depending on whether you pursue these losses through a work injury claim or a civil lawsuit, but you are often able to recover at least a portion of the wages missed.
The Right to Sue for Negligence
In a typical no-fault claim, you often waive the right to sue for negligence, and while you may still waive the right to accept these similar types of benefits, the Jones Act protects your right to sue the responsible party for negligence instead of accepting a no-fault payment option.
When you pursue a negligence-based lawsuit, you can often pursue damages in addition to those related to maintenance and cure or lost wages. It is critical to consult with an attorney before deciding on the route you want to take, as they may conflict with or negate each other.
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(504) 500-1111Understanding the Jones Act
The Jones Act is part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which requires that vessels shipping goods between United States ports must be American-built, registered, and manned. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, the law was established as an added layer of national security.
Today, the Jones Act has become one of the primary sources of protection for maritime workers injured while in the line of duty. While there are several similarities in how they protect workers, Jones Act and workers’ compensation claims are different.
The primary differences are based on the limitations of workers’ compensation as a no-fault option. At the same time, the Jones Act allows personal injury claims based on negligence. You may benefit from speaking with a Jones Act lawyer in LaPlace to determine which option is most appropriate for you.
Our LaPlace Jones Act Attorney Can Help You Obtain Benefits Protected by the Jones Act
The Jones Act protects injured maritime workers regardless of who is at fault. A no-fault claim might ensure maintenance and cure. However, if your injuries result from negligence, your compensation options may even extend beyond coverage for medical treatment and daily living costs.
Medical Costs
Whether you file a no-fault claim or civil lawsuit, the Jones Act allows you to claim damages for medical costs. This can include the cost of treatment, prescriptions, and travel costs associated with making your appointments. Depending on your injury, we may advocate for compensation of expected future medical costs.
Lost or Unearned Wages
If you are injured and unable to work due to those injuries, you are often eligible for compensation for the wages you missed. The type and amount of repayment may be different depending on whether you pursue these losses through a work injury claim or a civil lawsuit, but you are often able to recover at least a portion of the wages missed.
The Right to Sue for Negligence
In a typical no-fault claim, you often waive the right to sue for negligence, and while you may still waive the right to accept these similar types of benefits, the Jones Act protects your right to sue the responsible party for negligence instead of accepting a no-fault payment option.
When you pursue a negligence-based lawsuit, you can often pursue damages in addition to those related to maintenance and cure or lost wages. It is critical to consult with an attorney before deciding on the route you want to take, as they may conflict with or negate each other.
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(504) 500-1111Commonly Seen Injuries in Jones Act Claims
The availability of dangerous conditions in maritime work is constant. Only vigilance from every person involved can prevent accidents, and sometimes, that still will not be enough. Some of the common maritime injuries we address in our Jones Act claims include the following:
- Respiratory illness from fumes
- Crush injuries
- Hypothermia
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Back injuries
- Disfigurement
- Repetitive stress injury
Many of these injuries will dramatically impact your ability to perform your job duties and live your life. This can leave you out of work and missing out on important time with your loved ones. At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping you access the benefits the Jones Act entitles you to.
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(504) 500-1111Available Compensation In a Jones Act Claim
The Jones Act protects your rights to pursue compensation through no-fault or negligence-based claims. The option you choose can dramatically affect the compensation you recover. It is critical to understand your options before you pursue a claim fully, or you may risk losing the ability to recover altogether.
No-Fault
A no-fault claim is similar to a work injury claim. You are not required to show evidence of fault or accept it to receive payments. However, you are limited to economic payments specific to your injuries. These include payments for lost wages and medical bills. This type of claim can help you get treatment and income more quickly.
At-Fault
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you can pursue a civil lawsuit that requires you to show evidence of the negligence and how it caused your injuries. This type of claim allows you to recover the economic damages in addition to damages such as pain and suffering or loss of consortium.
An at-fault claim may allow you to recover much more in compensation, and many injury victims find it cathartic to hold responsible parties accountable. However, it can take much longer, requiring you to front the costs, and you might lose and walk away with nothing.
Call Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers Today to Speak with a Jones Act Attorney in LaPlace
Maritime injuries can be devastating, and at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, our goal is to help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal pieces. Our core values drive us to provide an exceptional and ethical client experience. We fight for your win while ensuring professional and respectful interactions.
Call us today for a no-obligation, free case consultation. We can discuss your situation and determine your legal options. Our Jones Act attorney in LaPlace works on contingency, meaning you have no fees unless we win. Call us today for the support you deserve.