We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a maritime accident can take on you and your family. As Metairie Jones Act maritime accident lawyers, we represent injured maritime workers and their families to secure the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured on the water or at sea, our Metairie personal injury lawyers are here to help navigate the complexities of maritime law and advocate vigorously on your behalf. We will demand the compensation you need, and we can get started on your case right away. Call us for a free confidential initial consultation to learn more.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal law that protects American maritime workers injured at sea by allowing them to seek compensation from their employers for on-the-job injuries. This Act applies to seamen who spend at least 30% of their time working on navigable vessels or fleets.
Under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers can claim damages for negligence by their employers or because of the unseaworthiness of the vessel. Unlike typical workers’ compensation, the Jones Act requires proving fault on the part of the employer or the conditions of the vessel. Our Jones Act maritime accident lawyers will gather all the necessary evidence to help you prove negligence.
How Our Jones Act Maritime Accident Attorney Will Help You and Your Family
Our maritime accident attorneys at Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers are committed to providing comprehensive legal support to ensure you and your family receive fair compensation. Here’s how we can help you:
- Investigating the accident: We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to gather crucial evidence and identify responsible parties.
- Proving negligence: Our team will work diligently to demonstrate employer negligence or vessel unseaworthiness.
- Navigating maritime laws: We will manage all legal aspects, including the complex details of local, state, and federal maritime laws, to advocate effectively on your behalf.
- Pursuing appropriate compensation: We will assess all possible damages to ensure your compensation reflects the severity of your injuries and other losses.
- Handling all communications including settlement negotiations: Our lawyers will deal with the companies and your employer to prevent them from undermining your claim.
- Providing comprehensive support: From legal advice to emotional support, we guide you at every step, ensuring you feel confident and informed.
Our Legal Team Charges No Upfront Fees
At Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers, we believe that financial barriers should not prevent you from obtaining justice. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for you. We only get paid if we win your case, and we never charge you anything out-of-pocket. Instead, we receive a percentage of your compensation after we win or settle your claim.
We also offer a free initial consultation to anyone interested in working with our maritime lawyers. You or a member of your family can connect with us to discuss your case at no cost or obligation.
Damages You Can Recover Under the Jones Act
Under the Jones Act, you are entitled to a range of damages, depending on the specifics of your case. Each case is different, so your recoverable damages will depend on your injuries and the details of your accident. Some of the types of damages you may be eligible to recover include:
- Maintenance: Compensation to the ill or injured seaman from the vessel owner by way of a stipend to cover costs associated with food and lodging, equivalent to that received on a vessel
- Cure: Payment by the vessel owner of the ill or injured seaman’s medical, therapeutic, and hospital expenses, until the point in time when the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).
- As a seaman, you are entitled to maintenance and cure until you fully recover from your injuries.
- Medical expenses: Comprehensive coverage from emergency treatment to long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for lost earnings during your recovery period.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your ability to work is permanently affected, compensation for future earnings is also available.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain endured because of your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for mental health impacts caused by the accident, such as anxiety and depression.
When you connect with our team, we can assess your case and determine which damages you may be eligible to recover. There may be other damages available not listed here, such as wrongful death benefits if your loved one passed away in a maritime accident.
Types of Injuries that Qualify You for Damages According to the Jones Act
The Jones Act covers a variety of injuries that can occur on a vessel. Some of the types of injuries our serious personal injury lawyers have seen include:
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis or other severe outcomes.
- Broken bones, fractures, and amputations
- Burns and lacerations
- Psychological injuries, such as PTSD or anxiety disorders due to the accident.
These injuries must be connected to your duties as a seaman and occur during the course of employment on a vessel. We can collect evidence such as your medical records and doctor’s statements to prove your injuries happened because of your employer’s negligence.
Who Is Liable for Your Maritime Accident and Injuries?
Identifying the liable party in a maritime accident is crucial for your compensation claim under the Jones Act. Generally, the employer or the vessel owner is held responsible if their negligence or the vessel’s unseaworthiness led to the incident. Additionally, other parties like equipment manufacturers or third-party contractors might also be liable if their actions contributed to the accident.
At Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers, we analyze every detail of your case to pinpoint all potentially liable parties, ensuring that your claim addresses all aspects of the accident for maximum compensation.
You Must File Your Legal Claim in Metairie on Time
Timing is critical in Jones Act cases. Maritime workers have a limited period, typically three years from the date of the injury, to file a claim under the Jones Act.
To ensure your rights are fully protected, get started on your case right away. our team can take legal action as soon as you hire us, so don’t wait to reach out.
Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Maritime Accident Case During a Free Confidential Consultation
Don’t navigate your maritime injury claim alone. Contact Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our Metairie Jones Act maritime accident attorneys are ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and provide the guidance you need to secure the settlement you need.
Call us today to take the first step towards recovery and justice.