Injuries that happen at sea or on river vessels in the U.S. are covered under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, otherwise known as the Jones Act. Interpreting how this law affects your ability to recover compensation requires experienced guidance from a Metairie Jones Act lawyer at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers.
We have secured tens of millions in insurance settlements and jury verdicts for our clients across Louisiana. A Metairie maritime injury lawyer is ready to speak with you during a free case review to discuss your legal options. Contact us today to arrange a meeting at your convenience.
Establishing Negligence Can Be Challenging in Maritime Cases
Your Metairie personal injury lawyer at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers will gather evidence from various sources to establish how your employer owed you a duty of care, how they failed in that duty, and how their actions led to your injury. They will also provide documentation to support your damage claims. For example, your maritime accident attorney may do the following:
- Collect photos of your injuries and witness statements verifying your fall from a higher deck because your employer failed to provide adequate safety gear.
- Request security video showing how untrained crewmembers failed to load and secure cargo correctly, and how you were hurt when it later fell on you.
- Inspect and photograph areas containing hazardous materials without appropriate warning signs after you suffer chemical burns from those spilled substances.
Maritime injury cases are often settled during negotiations with insurance providers or opposing parties. Yet, if we cannot get the other side to meet your demands for compensation, we will use all the evidence we have gathered to file your case in the appropriate jurisdiction and secure maximum compensation.
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(504) 500-1111Why You Should Hire a Metairie Jones Act Attorney
Under the Jones Act, you are eligible for benefits that cover your medical bills and daily living costs from the day you are hurt. You do not have to show who is to blame to receive this maintenance and cure in maritime injury cases. However, you may be entitled to further compensation if your employer or another party is at fault for your injuries.
For the best chance at a successful claim, you should work with a qualified Jones Act attorney in Metairie, LA. They will examine all aspects of your claim, such as who is at fault, what caused your injury, how much your claim is worth, and the best legal approach. You can focus on healing while your lawyer represents you in all related matters.
Maritime law is complicated, and it takes skill and training to determine where to file your case and how to hold liable parties accountable. When you turn to our team, we prioritize your health and well-being above all else. You can trust that we will fight for your best interests.
Our Firm Can Competently Manage Your Jones Act Claim
Immediately after you are hurt, you may need emergency medical treatment and be in pain. Your first thought is about getting better, but you have limited time to begin the Jones Act claim process. Fortunately, we can advise you of the important deadlines that may affect your case.
For example, you must notify your employer within seven days about your injury or risk losing your chance to secure benefits for common maritime injuries. You must also file any legal action within the three-year statute of limitations. A personal injury lawsuit requires adequate time to collect evidence and build a powerful case, so you need skillful legal representation that can do the job right the first time.
Your lawyer will also verify whether your claim qualifies or if you fall under certain Jones Act exemptions. You must be working on a vessel that transports people or cargo on U.S. navigable waters, and your vessel must be owned or operated by an American citizen. If other laws apply, such as the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (USL&H), they can also prepare your claim.
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(504) 500-1111Potential Jones Act Benefits and Compensation Available to You
Your Jones Act lawyer in Metairie, LA, helps you file a maintenance and cure claim, a negligence claim, or both. Maintenance and cure pay for your medical bills and daily living costs of food, rent, and transportation. If you pass away from your injuries, your family receives death benefits and could file a claim under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA).
You may be entitled to receive a settlement or jury award that covers both your economic and non-economic damages. Economic examples include your medical costs, future treatment expenses, property damage, lost wages, and lost earning capacity. Non-economic losses are your mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
If you file a negligence claim, you will bear the burden of proof to show how your employer’s or another party’s actions directly led to your injuries. Your employer will likely push back to claim you hurt yourself somewhere else, but a forceful lawyer will work to present evidence demonstrating how the at-fault parties failed to provide a seaworthy vessel for your safety.
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(504) 500-1111Fight for the Win with Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers
At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we help you seek financial relief from at-fault parties for expenses such as your medical bills, property damage, lost income, and vocational retraining if you can no longer work in the maritime industry. We also strive to secure compensation that addresses the pain and suffering you experience when you are hurt.
Your Metairie Jones Act lawyer is ready to help with a new case or discuss what happens if your Jones Act claim is denied. We are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for every client. Contact us to arrange a free consultation and learn more today.