If you or a loved one was injured in an offshore drilling or other maritime accident in Shreveport, you could recover compensation for physical, emotional, and financial pain and suffering. The Morris Bart law firm files your insurance claim and if necessary, prepares a case for court.
There is no excuse when innocent people are hurt by someone’s carelessness or lack of required safety equipment or training. A lawyer with our firm will protect your rights and help you pursue justice.
Our Lawyers Can Help You Navigate an Offshore Injury and Jones Act Case
Under federal maritime law, qualified individuals may seek compensation from their employer for bodily injury and damages, such as medical bills.
However, offshore injury cases are often complex and require a deep understanding of both federal and Louisiana state law. A maritime accident lawyer with the Morris Bart law firm is ready to help you through this legal process.
It is your right to consult an offshore injury and Jones Act accident lawyer on our team who can help you understand your legal rights.
What You Should Know About the Jones Act
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, extends federal employment protection to workers who are injured while performing their maritime employment, according to the Legal Information Institute (LII).
A seaman or seawoman is usually covered under the Jones Act if he or she:
- Proves an employment-related connection with a specific ship or shipping fleet
- Spends at least 30 percent of their working time with a ship or fleet of ships
- Has job duties that directly contribute to the ship’s functions or carrying out the mission of the ship
There are other legal considerations, but if you or a loved one meet these qualifications, you could be entitled to compensation for personal injury or wrongful death.
For a free legal consultation with a Offshore Injury and Jones Act Accident lawyer serving Shreveport, call (318) 553-5470
What Our Offshore Drilling Accident Lawyer Does to Help You and Your Family
Most maritime injury cases involve negligence, including an unsafe work environment. Our lawyers serving Shreveport understand the unique nature of offshore drilling accidents and that they may involve powerful multimillion-dollar corporations.
An offshore injury and Jones Act accident lawyer on our team can build a case to show how and why the other party should be held accountable.
Our client-centered services include:
- Free consultations at our office, your home, or the hospital
- Securing evidence, documentation, and testimony to build and support your case
- Filing, tracking, and managing your insurance claim against the at-fault party
- Preparing a case for court if we are unable to negotiate an acceptable settlement
It can be daunting for someone to seek compensation alone, especially when the at-fault party usually has one or more lawyers who are looking for any reason to shut down your claim. You deserve a strong legal advocate by your side throughout this process.
Recoverable Damages that May Be Awarded to You or a Loved One
If you or a loved one were injured in an offshore accident, you could be faced with crushing expenses. An offshore injury accident lawyer with the Morris Bart Law Office will carefully evaluate your injuries and damages to seek appropriate compensation. We handle all the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Depending on the severity and nature of your injuries, you could recover damages for:
- Medical care and treatment
- Rehabilitation therapy and care
- Lifecare costs
- Lost pay
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of services
- Disability
- Disfigurement
Surviving family members may be able to recover damages with a wrongful death claim. You should not have to deal with an insurance adjuster or a lawyer from the other party when you are grieving a loved one.
Click to contact our Shreveport Personal Injury Attorneys today
Different Injuries that Arise from Offshore Injury and Maritime Accidents
Working on an offshore oil rig, barge, or in another maritime capacity is demanding and risky. Workers are often asked to work long hours under uncomfortable situations, including heights, extreme heat, heavy seas, and strong storms.
Our legal team is here to help you and your loved ones recover damages after any type of offshore injury, including:
- Fires and explosions: Maritime workers are at risk for burn injuries from fires caused by combustible fumes, oil, or fuel.
- Falls: Oil rig workers are at greater risk of falling from elevated heights, causing traumatic brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries.
- Deck accidents: Workers are often engaged in and around heavy machinery and equipment. Improper use of this machinery can lead to broken or fractured bones, concussions, electrical shocks, and caught-between accidents.
- Oil platform injuries: Rough seas and strong winds make offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico even more dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.
- Inland marine injuries: Whether it is from falling cables or having to climb ropes to perform a task, workers on vessels on rivers, lakes, and inland waterways face potential injury or death.
- Barge and tugboat injuries: Workers on barges and tugboats are often injured by parting tow lines, slippery decks, heavy lines or shackles, falling off ladders onto docks or decks, or falling overboard.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) compiles information on offshore accidents, injuries, and fatalities. There were more than 200 injuries reported in 2019 (the latest year available), in addition to six fatalities.
Call Morris Bart Today for a Free Consultation
Under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492, Louisiana has a one-year window for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may forfeit potential compensation for bodily injuries and related expenses. However, there are exceptions that may shorten the deadline.
Call the Morris Bart law firm for a free consultation at (318) 553-5470. You pay no attorney’s fees unless you win compensation.
Questions?Call (318) 553-5470
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
