Maritime Workers Compensation Lawyer New Orleans, LA
An injury at sea means an admiralty court, and you’ll need the help of a New Orleans, LA maritime workers’ compensation lawyer. Fortunately, the professionals at Scott Vicknair are standing by to walk you through your case and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today, and read on to learn more about workers’ comp on the high seas.
The Injury is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Any injury can put your life on hold. You’ll have to deal with your physical recovery (and it can take weeks or months before you’re back on your feet), but you’ll also have to deal with a growing pile of medical bills. To make matters worse, when you’re injured, you can’t clock in and collect a paycheck – even if it’s the only thing keeping you from falling behind on your mortgage or other debts.
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to face it alone, and you shouldn’t have to pay for it out of pocket. And if you were hurt on the job, you definitely should be compensated for your injuries.
Workers’ Compensation at Sea
Worker’s compensation can provide some much-needed financial stability if you’re ever hurt on the job. Unfortunately, workers’ comp claims are handled a little differently if the injury happened at sea, instead of on land. Rather than workers’ comp, workers at sea can turn to the Jones Act for their injury compensation.
The Jones Act of 1920 provides seamen and other maritime employees with certain protections in the event of injuries that occur while aboard vessels. Under the Jones Act, maritime workers have the right to seek compensation from their employers, whether that compensation is to cover medical bills or lost wages.
An Injury at Sea Means Admiralty Court
The sea is governed by different laws and courts than what we see on land. In the event of a work injury on land, an employee is able to seek workers’ compensation – or, failing that, he or she can sue for damages in a civil court if an employer was dangerously negligent.
Injuries at sea fall under the realm of an admiralty court instead. There are federal laws in place that dictate how a claim should be settled if an injury occurred at sea, and these claims need to be heard by specialized courts that know the intricacies of maritime law. Of course, this also means you should get help from a New Orleans maritime workers’ compensation attorney you can trust.
Get in Touch with Scott Vicknair Today
At Scott Vicknair, we know that maritime work is hard work. It’s an important job, but it’s also dangerous. If you work on a ship, you may be exposed to hazardous materials, heavy machinery, and (of course) wet or uneven surfaces. These are all dangerous to your health and safety, and your livelihood.
If you’re injured at sea, you deserve legal help from maritime lawyers who have your best interests in mind. Reach out to Scott Vicknair today to learn what a New Orleans maritime workers’ compensation attorney from our office can do for you.
