When a maritime worker is injured due to negligence, it’s important to understand which legal protections are available.
The Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) are two pieces of legislation that provide financial relief for workers injured while performing their duties in U.S. waters or on harbor docks.
For help after an injury, contact a New Orleans maritime lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Why Hire Bowen Painter For Your Maritime Injury Case?
If you’ve been injured while on a maritime vessel, you need an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of the law.
Our Savannah attorneys who specialize in personal injury cases are the right choice for you.
- We offer numerous services related to personal injury cases in the industry including: free consultations, detailed investigations into all aspects of the incident, negotiations with insurance companies, preparation for trial, expert witness testimony, and help with the appeals processes if necessary.
- We have extensive knowledge of maritime law and its associated regulations.
- We also have experience representing clients in federal court proceedings related to Jones Act claims or other federal laws pertaining to maritime injuries such as Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
What Is a Maritime Injury Lawyer and Why Do You Need One?
A New Orleans maritime injury attorney specializes in laws pertaining to injuries sustained at sea. These laws are different from traditional personal injury laws because they fall under an entirely separate body of law known as admiralty law. This includes activities such as recreational boating, fishing, and offshore oil rig/platform work.
A maritime lawyer will investigate a case, gather evidence, calculate damages, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the client in court if necessary. In addition, clients do not have to pay upfront for their lawyer’s services; fees are taken from a portion of the settlement.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act is a primary piece of maritime legislation in the United States. It was designed to protect seamen who were injured while performing their duties on vessels that sailed through U.S. waters. Under this act, an injured worker can collect compensation from their employer if they can prove that negligence played a role in the injury.
This could include anything from inadequate safety measures to improper maintenance of equipment onboard the vessel.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
On the other hand, The LHWCA provides protection to workers who are injured while working on U.S. waterways, harbors, or docks—not just vessels sailing through navigable waters as is required by the Jones Act.
The LHWCA generally covers all types of injuries suffered by workers in these industries—even those determined to be caused solely by your own negligence—and provides financial relief for medical expenses, wage replacement, physical rehabilitation costs, disability benefits if necessary, and job protection during recovery periods regardless of fault or negligence.
Contact a New Orleans Maritime Injury Lawyer For Your Case
Both the Jones Act and LHWCA provide important protections for workers injured while performing their duties in maritime or dock-related industries. However, each law has its own set of requirements when it comes to eligibility for benefits.
If you have been injured while working on a vessel, harbor, or dock, or as a result of other maritime-related work, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine which law best applies to your situation so that you can get the compensation you deserve. Contact a New Orleans maritime injury attorney to schedule a free consultation.
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