Maritime Injury Lawyers
Over $1 Billion Recovered for Maritime Accident Victims. We are proud to have a reputation for aggressively fighting for the rights of injured workers.
Pursuing a Maritime Claim
The maritime industry is essential to the strength and growth of this country and is the lifeblood of our economy here in the Gulf Coast. While the recent downturn in the Oil & Gas Industry has jeopardized many of our jobs, for those who have kept their jobs, it has become even more difficult to perform them safely with companies sacrificing safety by cutting corners to save money.
During times like these, it is of the utmost importance to know your rights as a maritime worker. In our country, seamen are wards of the court, which means they enjoy special protections because of their exposure to the perils of the sea and dangers of performing their duties so far from their homes for extended periods of time and having to rely on their employers to provide a safe place to work.
Do I Need A Maritime Lawyer after an Injury?
“Do I need a maritime attorney?” It’s a question workers should ask when injured offshore. Unfortunately, many don’t. Unlike workers’ compensation claims, the Jones Act allows you to sue your employer for sustaining a work injury that is their fault. Determining whether a maritime worker is a Jones Act seaman is a case by case analysis that requires an experienced maritime lawyer.
CAN YOU BE BLACKLISTED FOR FILING AN OFFSHORE INJURY CLAIM?
While we can’t say for certain whether this is possible, we feel strongly that this should NOT be a deciding factor in pursuing your right to compensation after a maritime injury. There are laws that protect seamen and other maritime workers from being blacklisted, and the courts have ruled (in Pino v. Protection Maritime Insurance Company and other cases) that blacklisting or blackballing offshore workers is illegal. In addition, when asked for a reference, past employers are not legally permitted to discuss the fact that you filed a claim against the company.
DO I HAVE TO SEE A COMPANY DOCTOR AFTER A MARITIME INJURY?
You are not required to see a company doctor, but you should never refuse medical treatment as this can be used against you later in the case. However, you are entitled to see the doctor of your choosing regardless of whether you have already seen a doctor that your company sent you to. Ultimately, it’s in your best interest to ensure that your treating physician is a doctor not affiliated with your company.
HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO FILE A MARITIME INJURY CLAIM?
If you are a maritime worker injured while on the job, there are many advantages to seeking legal representation from an experienced offshore injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident takes place. There are statutes of limitations for filing a maritime injury claim under the Jones Act and other maritime laws. If you wait too long to file a claim, you may find yourself unable to seek compensation for the damages caused by your injuries. The statutes of limitations vary, depending on which laws apply in your case.
Lambert Zainey has obtained recoveries from a long list of maritime companies, including some of the biggest names in the industry.
Maritime Laws That Affect Injured Workers
Maritime laws protect offshore workers and other maritime workers after accidents and injuries. However, maritime law can be heavily detailed and challenging to navigate. If you are the victim of a maritime accident or injury, whether offshore, on an inland push boat or a midstream transfer operation on the river, contact Lambert Zainey today.
The following acts exist to protect maritime workers in the event of maritime injuries or accidents:
Over $1 Billion Recovered for Maritime Accident Victims
Oil storage tank rupture at the Murphy Oil USA refinery in Chalmette, LA. The fastest class certification and resolution of a case of its type and magnitude to date.
Arco cryogenic platform explosion caused by improper cold cut of Southern Natural Gas pipeline. Settlement for the injured and deceased in approximately twelve months.
Why Do Maritime Injuries Happen?
Maritime jobs are dangerous for a variety of reasons, including:
While some maritime injuries are minor, many of these injuries will dramatically affect the worker’s life. In addition to the physical toll, severe injuries can have a lasting emotional impact on workers and their families, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
INLAND, PORT AND OFFSHORE
WORKERS OUR MARITIME LAWYERS FIGHT FOR
Offshore Drilling Crew
We help offshore drilling crew members that have been injured.
Crane Barge/ Midstream Operation
Tug Boat Crew
Plug & Abandon Operation
General Vessel Crew
Blue Water Vessels
Sub-Sea Operations
Dredging Operation
Lay Barge Operations
Frequently Asked Questions For Our Maritime Lawyers
Compensation For Workers Injured While Working a Maritime Job
The type and amount of compensation you may be able to recover after a maritime accident depends on many factors, including the nature of your job, the specific maritime law your claim falls under, and the severity of your injuries. Compensation may include:
Common Types of Maritime Injuries
When a person seeks employment in the offshore industry, they understand that the job comes with inherent risks other work doesn’t. Some of the most common maritime injuries can be severe, even life-threatening. The risks of suffering these injuries are greatly increased when employers and other workers are negligent in their duties. At Lambert Zainey, our experienced Louisiana offshore injury attorneys have helped workers who have been hurt in many different types of offshore accidents.
Back Injuries
While not always catastrophic, back injuries can severely impact an offshore worker’s ability to perform his job, affecting his future earning potential.
Amputations
The loss of limbs or digits may occur during an offshore accident, or be necessary as a result of the injuries sustained in an accident.
Sandblasting Accidents
The loss of limbs/digits may occur during an offshore accident, or be necessary as a result of the injuries sustained in an accident.
Depression
Maritime workers can spend months having no contact with friends or family, facing some of the harshest working conditions of any job.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can be among the most severe, with long-term physical and emotional scars. Injuries can result in permanent disfigurement.
Chemical Exposure
Exposure to hazardous chemicals, whether by inhalation or direct contact, can result in serious and costly, long-term health problems.
Water Blasting Injuries
They may not appear severe immediately after the accident. Make no mistake, this injury is extremely severe.
Brain Injuries
Maritime workers who suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have problems with long-term cognitive and neurological functions.
Gangway Injuries
Climbing from the shore to the deck of a ship is how most gangway injuries happen. Gangway security is an important part of shipyard safety.
Emotional Distress
After a maritime accident, PTSD and other emotional trauma can be just as serious and dangerous of a health problem as a physical injury.
PTSD
Some think PTSD can only happen to war veterans. Anyone who has had a traumatic event can develop PTSD, even maritime workers.
Common Challenges and Solutions in Personal Injury Accident Claims
Navigating the complexities of a maritime accident claim can present several challenges. At Lambert Zainey, we are equipped to address these challenges head-on, providing solutions that pave the way for a successful resolution of your claim.
Proving Negligence in Maritime Accidents:
Proving Negligence in Maritime Accidents:
Challenge: Establishing liability can be complicated in maritime law, as it often requires proving negligence on the part of the employer or vessel owner.
Solution: Our team has decades of experience in investigating maritime accidents. We gather comprehensive evidence, including safety records, employee training logs, and maintenance reports, to establish liability effectively.
Managing Medical Treatment and Financial Strain:
Managing Medical Treatment and Financial Strain:
Challenge: Dealing with ongoing medical treatment and potential financial strain due to an inability to work can be overwhelming for injury victims.
Solution: We provide comprehensive support, connecting you with medical professionals who understand maritime injuries and advising on financial options to ease your burden during the legal process.
Dealing with Insurance Companies:
Dealing with Insurance Companies:
Challenge: Insurance companies often aim to minimize settlement amounts or deny claims altogether.
Solution: With years of experience negotiating with insurance firms, we ensure that your rights are protected. We advocate for a fair settlement that truly reflects the extent of your injuries and losses.
Timely Filing and Jurisdictional Issues:
Timely Filing and Jurisdictional Issues:
Challenge: There are strict deadlines for filing maritime injury claims, and jurisdictional issues can complicate where and how to file.
Solution: We ensure timely and proper filing of your claim, considering all jurisdictional factors, to avoid any potential pitfalls that could jeopardize your case.
Navigating Maritime Law Complexities:
Navigating Maritime Law Complexities:
Challenge: Maritime law includes various statutes like the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, which can be daunting to understand.
Solution: Our attorneys are well-versed in maritime law and will guide you through these legal intricacies, ensuring that your claim adheres to all relevant statutes and regulations.
Emotional and Psychological Impact:
Emotional and Psychological Impact:
Challenge: Maritime accidents often have a significant emotional and psychological impact on victims and their families.
Solution: Understanding the emotional toll, we handle every case with sensitivity and empathy. We also connect clients with counseling services when needed, ensuring holistic support.
What Our Clients’ Say About Us
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ATTORNEYS
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Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to settlement or trial.
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