If you’re an offshore worker injured on the job in or around New Orleans, Louisiana, the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath can be overwhelming. These injuries don’t just affect you they also affect your entire family.
At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, we fight for injured maritime workers to ensure they get the compensation they’re entitled to under federal and state law. With deep experience across a range of offshore accident cases, we know how to navigate the legal system to your advantage.
Types of Offshore Injury Accidents in Louisiana
We handle a wide variety of offshore injury claims. Below are some of the most common scenarios we assist with:
Oil Rig Accidents
Working on an oil rig is dangerous. Heavy machinery, slick surfaces, and unpredictable weather all contribute to a high risk of injury.
Slips, falls, equipment malfunctions, and explosions can lead to catastrophic injuries that impact your long-term ability to work. If unsafe working conditions or employer negligence played a role in your injury, we’ll fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Accidents at Sea
Maritime workers face countless hazards while working on vessels offshore. Common causes of injury include:
- Diving incidents
- Chemical burns
- Falling objects
- Slips and falls
- Equipment malfunctions
- Commercial fishing accidents
Many of these injuries fall under the protections of the Jones Act, which allows injured seamen to seek compensation for medical care and lost wages. We help determine your eligibility and pursue the benefits you deserve.
Longshoreman Injuries
Longshoremen face unique dangers when loading, unloading, and handling cargo. Accidents often occur due to heavy lifting, uneven surfaces, or faulty equipment.
These claims usually fall under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which requires specific documentation and deadlines. We ensure your claim is handled properly from the start.
What Laws Apply to Your Offshore Injury?
The type of work you perform (and where the injury occurred) will determine which maritime law applies to your claim. Below is a breakdown of the main laws that may affect your case:
- The Jones Act: Protects seamen who are injured due to employer negligence. It also covers fatal incidents, allowing families to pursue wrongful death claims.
- Maintenance and Cure: Provides daily living expenses and medical care to injured seamen, regardless of fault. These benefits continue until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
- Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): Covers dockworkers, harbor workers, and others not classified as seamen. Offers disability benefits and medical care for qualifying injuries.
- Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA): Applies to workers injured on oil platforms or other structures on the outer continental shelf.
- Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA): Allows families to seek compensation when a loved one dies in international waters due to negligence or wrongful acts.
In addition to these federal laws, some state-specific regulations may also apply depending on where the accident occurred or where the employer is based. For example, certain Louisiana workers may have additional rights under state personal injury or workers’ compensation laws, especially if their job involves time both onshore and offshore.
Navigating the overlap between state and federal law is complex, which is why having a knowledgeable maritime injury attorney by your side can make all the difference. We’ll make sure no stone is left unturned in building your case.
We Know the Law. We’ve Got Your Back.
At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, we understand the ins and outs of these complex laws and how to apply them in real-world situations. Whether you’re a seaman, longshoreman, or oil rig worker, we’re here to make sure you and your family aren’t left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.
Don’t wait. If you were injured offshore in New Orleans, Louisiana—or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, contact us today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.
