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.
Common Causes of Maritime Accidents
If you have been injured while working at sea, you may want to contact a New Orleans, LA maritime workers compensation lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. A lawyer from Scott Vicknair, LLC can help you pursue a timely claim.
Here are the most common causes of maritime accidents that you should know about.
- Inadequate training. Working at sea requires incredible skill and detail. That is why maritime workers must undergo thorough training. Unfortunately, sometimes workers do not receive the training they need or may not be qualified for the job. For instance, if a crane operator is not trained properly, he or she can cause an accident by positioning the loads incorrectly or knowing what hazards to look out for.
- Bad weather. When you work out at sea, you are bound to see bad weather. Big storms can increase the risk of accidents and injuries on a ship. Although vessel owners can’t control the weather, they can take measures to reduce the risk of injuries related to natural events.
- Enclosed spaces. Maritime workers may also suffer harm if they are in enclosed spaces, like cargo areas. These areas may not have proper ventilation and get contaminated with toxic gasses, like carbon monoxide, and be difficult to escape from in an accident. Workers may have trouble breathing or suffer poisoning from being in an enclosed space.
- Slip and fall accidents. As a New Orleans maritime workers compensation lawyer can confirm, ships have many slip and fall hazards, such as slippery floors and uneven decks. Workers can slip and fall and suffer serious injuries, like broken bones, head injuries and spinal cord injuries. Employers can reduce the risk of these accidents by installing anti-slip surfaces.
- Fires and explosions. Fire and explosions on ships can pose a great danger for maritime workers. Most of these accidents result from misusing flammable liquids on the vessel. Workers can suffer severe burn injuries from fire and explosions that require immediate medical treatment.
- Falling overboard. Whether due to inclement weather or not paying attention, some maritime injuries may fall overboard. Besides the risk of drowning, workers can endure injuries from the fall or be in close proximity to sharks and other dangerous sea creatures.
- Getting caught in moving parts. A ship has a lot of moving parts and they can be a danger to maritime workers. If workers are not paying attention when they are around a moving part or get their clothes caught in the moving part, they can sustain serious injuries, like limb loss.
- Faulty equipment. Even the most experienced and skilled maritime workers can get injured if they work with faulty equipment. In this situation, the worker may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against the manufacturer.
If you want to pursue a workers compensation claim, you should schedule a consultation with a New Orleans maritime workers compensation lawyer from Scott Vicknair, LLC to discuss your case.
Reasons For Needing A Maritime Workers Compensation Lawyer
If you are a maritime worker who has been injured while working, you may want to hire a New Orleans, LA maritime workers compensation lawyer to protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your lost wages, medical bills and other losses that resulted from the accident. You deserve to be properly compensated for what you have been through.
Maritime workers can face unique danger while working, and injuries are unfortunately all too common. A qualified maritime workers compensation lawyer from Scott Vicknair can help you understand complicated laws and regulations governing maritime injuries and fight for your right to fair compensation.
Here are a few good reasons why you should consider hiring a maritime workers compensation lawyer after getting injured at work.
- Knowledge and Experience: Maritime law is a complex and specialized area of the law, and it takes an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer to help get through the complicated and stressful legal process. A maritime workers compensation lawyer will have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to your case, as well as the experience to handle your case effectively.
- Protection of Your Rights: When you have been injured in a maritime accident, your employer and their insurance company will likely try to minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible. After all, they care about the bottom line above everything else. A maritime workers compensation lawyer will fight to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- Maximization of Your Compensation: A New Orleans maritime workers compensation lawyer will work to maximize your compensation by identifying all potential sources of recovery, including maintenance and cure, unearned wages, and other damages. For example, your lawyer may determine that you may qualify to receive compensation for your emotional distress too.
- Handling of Complex Cases: Maritime workers compensation cases can be complex, involving multiple parties, complex legal issues, and large amounts of money at stake. A maritime workers compensation lawyer will have the experience and resources necessary to handle even the most complex cases effectively.
- Peace of Mind: When trying to heal from a maritime injury, you do not want the added stress of dealing with a legal case. If you have too much stress, you may delay the healing process. A maritime workers compensation lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your recovery. You will not have to worry about filling out endless paperwork or dealing with insurance companies.
If you are a maritime worker who has been injured while working, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a qualified New Orleans maritime workers compensation lawyer from Scott Vicknair as soon as possible. With their knowledge, experience, and commitment to protecting your rights, a maritime workers compensation lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve and move forward with your life.
