Lafourche Maritime Lawyer

If you work on or around the sea and you’ve suffered a serious on-the-job injury, a maritime lawyer in Lafourche could help you seek the benefits that you may be entitled to.

Did you know that maritime workers are not eligible for workers compensation benefits through their employer? Unlike those in most other lines of work, maritime employees are only able to obtain the financial assistance and benefits they need through federal laws known as the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

However, it is not uncommon for injured maritime employees to struggle gaining approval for these benefits without the assistance of an attorney. When you choose to work with a Lafourche maritime lawyer at the Law Office of Braud & Gallagher, you’ll be able to spend your time recuperating while we handle the details of your claim.

Commonly Seen Maritime Accident Injuries

There are countless ways that a maritime employee can be injured on the job due to the fact that the maritime industry is one of the most dangerous fields to work in. If you are a harbor worker, seaman, longshoreman, shipyard worker, or other maritime laborer, you are at an increased risk of suffering a serious injury, such as:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Lacerations that become infected
  • Traumatic brain damage
  • Back injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Full-thickness burns
  • Organ failure

Financial Assistance after a Work Injury

When we’re looking at financial assistance and benefits available to injured maritime employees, these workers are split up into two categories: seamen, and all other types of maritime employees. Injured seamen can obtain benefits under the Jones Act, while other maritime employees obtain benefits under the LHWCA.

Let’s take a closer look at the Jones Act. As you now know, when a seaman is injured while working, they can seek financial support by filing a Jones Act claim. 

The ability to gain the approval you need will largely depend on whether the ship you were working on is found to be unseaworthy. Fortunately, even the slightest issue with the ship or vessel can result in these findings. Jones Act beneficiaries can then collect personal injury damages, maintenance, and cure once their claim is approved.

Other maritime workers can obtain benefits under the LHWCA. Your injuries need only be a result of the scope of your job responsibilities for you to be eligible for benefits. Such benefits are quite similar to workers compensation benefits and include wage replacement benefits, coverage of your medical bills, and death benefits or vocational training, where applicable.

Speak with a Maritime Attorney in Lafourche

When you have suffered a work-related injury as a maritime employee of any kind, reach out to an experienced Lafourche maritime lawyer at the Law Office of Braud & Gallagher. We can help you determine how to go about securing the benefits you need while you are unable to work and focusing on your recovery. 

You can complete the convenient contact form we have provided at the bottom of this page or reach us by phone at 1-800-256-5674 to schedule your no-cost consultation.