Looking for Skilled Maritime Law Representation?
Seamen, longshoremen and offshore workers face some of the most extreme and treacherous work conditions in American industry. From on-the-job accidents that result in severe or even fatal injuries to industrial diseases that develop over the course of several years, these workers are entitled to be compensated when their jobs contribute to a need for medical care or a loss of income.
Despite numerous federal laws designed to protect these workers, employers and their insurance companies continue to deny legitimate claims. Some even go as far as discouraging workers from pursuing a claim or seeking legal advice about their rights after an injury. If you have been injured on the job or you are living with a medical condition that came about as a direct result of doing your job, you should speak to a qualified Houma maritime law attorney immediately.
Reliable Terrebonne Parish Offshore Injury Lawyer
At the Law Offices of Brent J. Rhodes, I represent Louisiana workers in a wide variety of maritime law and offshore injury claims. These are extremely complex cases and not every attorney is equipped to handle them. You can rely on me to provide the focused, results-oriented representation you need and to do everything in my power to see that you receive the compensation you deserve.
I have experience handling all types of these cases, including:
- Jones Act Claims for seamen who were injured while working at sea
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claims for injured longshoremen and harbor workers
- Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) claims, including oil rig worker injuries
- Death on the High Seas Act claims for surviving family members of deceased seamen
Contact Me To Discuss Your Case | Available 24/7
Contact my office to discuss your maritime law matter. I offer a free initial consultation in every case. You can reach me at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 985-580-9777 or toll free at 866-692-8703.
Common Questions About Offshore & Maritime Injuries
What Is Maritime Law?
What Is Maritime Law?
Maritime law, sometimes called admiralty law, is a body of federal law that governs injuries and disputes involving offshore workers, seamen, longshoremen, oil rig employees and others who work on or near navigable waters. These cases are often very different from standard workers’ compensation claims.
What Is A Jones Act Claim?
What Is A Jones Act Claim?
The Jones Act allows qualifying seamen who are injured on the job to pursue compensation from their employer when negligence contributed to the accident or unsafe working conditions. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation systems, Jones Act claims may allow injured workers to recover a broader range of damages.
Who Qualifies As A Seaman Under The Jones Act?
Who Qualifies As A Seaman Under The Jones Act?
Whether someone qualifies as a “seaman” depends on the nature of the work performed and the worker’s connection to a vessel in navigation. These cases can become highly technical, and employers or insurance companies may dispute whether an injured worker qualifies for protection under the Jones Act.
What Types Of Injuries Are Common In Offshore And Maritime Work?
What Types Of Injuries Are Common In Offshore And Maritime Work?
Maritime workers often face dangerous working conditions that can lead to serious injuries such as burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, crush injuries, amputations, chemical exposure injuries and fatal accidents. Repetitive stress injuries and occupational illnesses may also develop over time.
What Is Maintenance And Cure?
What Is Maintenance And Cure?
Under maritime law, injured seamen may be entitled to “maintenance and cure,” which generally refers to daily living expenses and payment of medical treatment while recovering from a work-related injury or illness. Employers sometimes dispute these benefits or attempt to terminate them prematurely.
What Is The Longshore And Harbor Workers' Compensation Act?
What Is The Longshore And Harbor Workers' Compensation Act?
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides benefits to certain maritime employees who are injured while working near navigable waters but who may not qualify as seamen under the Jones Act. These claims can involve dock workers, harbor workers, shipbuilders and other maritime employees.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault?
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault?
In many maritime injury cases, an injured worker may still be able to recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident. Employers and insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto injured workers, making careful investigation and case preparation important.
What Should I Do After An Offshore Injury?
What Should I Do After An Offshore Injury?
You should report the injury, seek medical attention and document as much information as possible about the accident and working conditions. It is also important to be cautious when giving statements to insurance representatives or company investigators before fully understanding your legal rights.
How Long Do I Have To File A Maritime Injury Claim?
How Long Do I Have To File A Maritime Injury Claim?
Different maritime claims may involve different legal deadlines depending on the circumstances and the laws that apply to the case. Because these claims are highly specialized and time-sensitive, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury.
Why Are Maritime Injury Cases So Complicated?
Why Are Maritime Injury Cases So Complicated?
Maritime injury claims often involve overlapping federal laws, multiple contractors or employers, offshore drilling operations, vessel ownership issues and complicated insurance disputes. These cases require careful legal analysis and a strong understanding of maritime law and offshore industry practices.