Offshore Injury Lawyer New Orleans, LA
Work at sea is difficult and dangerous, but a New Orleans, LA offshore injury attorney can help you get the financial help you need to stay afloat.
Compensation for your injuries isn’t free money. You’ll have to fight for it, and the professionals at Scott Vicknair are ready to walk you through the process and give you all the information you need for your legal battle. Read on to learn more about offshore injuries, and get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
Maritime Law for Maritime Accidents
Maritime law, also referred to as admiralty law, covers all matters of the sea – from shipping and leisure, to boat accidents and offshore injuries. On land, an injured employee may seek compensation through workers’ comp (or a civil suit if an employer was negligent). However, if an employee works at sea, he or she will have to go through an admiralty court to pursue financial damages.
An admiralty court means you’ll need the services of a specialized lawyer. Maritime lawyers – commonly known as admiralty lawyers – can help you navigate your case to get the compensation you deserve, whether you were injured on a ship, or lost wages due to an injury that occurred on the high seas. A New Orleans offshore injury attorney can walk you through the process, and inform you of your rights.
Know Your Rights as a Maritime Employee
Under the Jones Act of 1920, the federal government ensured the protection of maritime employees in the case of injury or sickness at sea. This protection extends to medical care and lost wages, and under federal law, employees have the right to request compensation from their maritime employers.
The Jones Act covers maritime employees in the event of injury, negligence or unseaworthiness. But what do these terms mean? Negligence can apply to any action or inaction that leads to someone else’s injury. It can take many forms, from failing to provide safety equipment, to taking irresponsible and dangerous actions at the helm of a vessel.
It’s important to remember that unseaworthiness doesn’t necessarily mean a vessel doesn’t float well. An unseaworthy vessel can also be defined as a ship in which the crew is not provided with the right tools or training for the job. An unseaworthy vessel means a negligent employer, and negligent employers can cause injuries.
Get in Touch with Scott Vicknair Today
When you’re injured on the job, you deserve compensation. And while on land, workers’ compensation provides an important safety net for injured employees, work at sea requires a bit of specialization. The safety net is still there, but it’s for an admiralty court to decide whether you deserve compensation, and how much you’re owed.
At Scott Vicknair, we’re ready to help you exercise your rights and fight for your much-needed financial assistance. An injury at sea can affect your future, stacking up debt and impacting your livelihood. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Reach out to Scott Vicknair today, and see how a New Orleans offshore injury attorney from our office can help.
