Maritime workers, including seamen and longshoremen, are often exposed to perilous work conditions. The maritime industry is incredibly dangerous. Maritime workers are essential to our country’s economy and the movement of goods. Yet, they are consistently subject to the treacherous domain of the maritime industry, which can unfortunately lead to significant personal injuries and, in the most tragic cases, loss of life.
As maritime and offshore accident attorneys, Broussard Injury Lawyers understand the hazards and perils faced by maritime workers. Our team at Broussard Injury Lawyers has successfully handled severe, complex cases involving vessel fires, explosions, equipment accidents, falls, chemical exposure, and other various offshore incidents. In moments of crisis, Broussard Injury Lawyers uses its vast maritime experience to fight for the rights and protections of its clients, be they deckhands, tankermen, engineers, divers, crane operators, dredging professionals, marine construction personnel, or oilfield workers.
Broussard Injury Lawyers’ experience in maritime and admiralty law includes a breadth of personal injury and wrongful death claims, involving a variety of legal issues. There are several maritime laws in the United States designed to ensure maritime operations are conducted safely and to protect those who make their living on inland waterways and the high seas. The attorneys at Broussard Injury Lawyers have an intricate knowledge of these maritime laws and use them to advocate for their maritime clients.
The Jones Act
At the heart of maritime law in the United States is the Jones Act. Officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act provides critical protections to seamen who incur injury or fall ill while working in the service of a vessel. The Jones Act allows seamen to recover damages in cases involving negligence. As experienced Jones Act attorneys, our team at Broussard Injury Lawyers has a deep understanding of the complexities of Jones Act rights and remedies and a proven track record of success advocating for the rights of injured seamen.
The LHWCS Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCS) is a federal law providing compensation and medical recovery to employees who incur injuries on waterways or in adjoining areas used for loading, unloading, repairing, or building a vessel. The LHWCS Act is critical for workers who may not qualify as seamen covered by the Jones Act, offering a vital safety net for those employed in longshore work.
Maintenance & Cure
An important aspect of maritime law is the doctrine of “maintenance and cure,” a form of compensation that maritime employers must automatically provide to seamen injured while working in service of a vessel. ‘Maintenance’ covers the basic living expenses of the seaman, while ‘cure’ pertains to medical expenses until the seaman has fully recovered or reached maximum medical improvement. An employer may be subject to penalties for failure to provide maintenance and cure. This doctrine is a fundamental aspect of maritime law, predating even the Jones Act and the LHWCS Act. As maritime attorneys, Broussard Injury Lawyers have extensive experiencing demanding and recovering maintenance and cure for clients.
Vessel Unseaworthiness
Maritime law requires vessel owners to ensure their vessels are ‘seaworthy’ with safe working conditions. Failure to provide a seaworthy vessel can lead to severe maritime accidents and injuries, exposing the vessel owner to liability. An unseaworthy condition of a vessel might involve defective equipment, an insufficient or improperly trained crew, or a lack of safety gear. Broussard Injury Lawyers’ track record of success in maritime cases includes unseaworthiness claims, as our team is well-versed in investigating and litigating claims against vessel owners.
Importance of Legal Counsel
The complexity and uniqueness of maritime law make it essential for injured workers to seek experienced legal counsel. A knowledgeable maritime personal injury lawyer not only understands the nuances of maritime laws but can also navigate the often-complicated legal processes involved in federal or state court. Our team at Broussard Injury Lawyers is passionate about protecting maritime workers and dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to our clients.
Benefits of Working with an Offshore Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right offshore accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of a maritime injury case. Lawyers with specific expertise in this field, like those at Broussard Injury Lawyers, bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of maritime law. We are equipped to handle everything from negotiating with insurance companies to representing clients in court, ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
The legal process following an offshore accident can be long and complex. It typically involves an initial investigation, assessment of claims, filing a lawsuit, negotiations with insurance companies, and possibly a trial. At Broussard Injury Lawyers, we are not afraid to relentlessly fight for our clients and will do whatever it takes to get the recovery our clients deserve. We are always trial-ready and prepared to pressure defendants during negotiations. Throughout all stages of the legal process, the attorneys at Broussard Injury Lawyers maintain clear and open communication, ensuring our clients are well-informed and supported every step of the way.
Contact Broussard Injury Lawyers for Help with Your Maritime Law Case
If you or a loved one has been affected by an offshore accident, having a skilled legal team on your side is crucial. Contact Broussard Injury Lawyers for a free case review. Brousard Injury Lawyers is a family-run business that appreciates the value of family, health, and livelihood. Our passionate, relentless, and caring team will stand by your side, fighting to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
For more information on how we can assist you with your maritime injury case or to schedule a consultation, call us toll-free at (866) 281-4774 or contact us online.
Also Read: What You Should Know About Maritime Injury Lawsuit
