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Injured on the Water?

Getting help is easy! We are here to help you get the money you deserve for your maritime injury.

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Slidell, LA's Offshore Injury Lawyer

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “Workers at marine terminals have a higher fatality, injury, and illness rate than other workers in the U.S.”  Maritime jobs are common in LA, as the state borders the Gulf of Mexico.

While maritime jobs play an important role in our economy, they also present many dangers to those who work in the industry. If you or a loved one sustained injuries while working at sea, you have legal rights.

At The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux, our Slidell offshore injury lawyers understand the laws that surround offshore accidents. Our legal team can assist you with your claim and will strive to obtain the benefits you are rightfully owed.

Most Common Causes of Maritime Accidents

Due to the dangerous work environment of maritime jobs, accidents happen frequently. Some of the most common causes of maritime accidents include:

Many maritime accidents are due to human error and may have been prevented if workers were properly trained. With this in mind, it’s essential that workers receive in-depth training on safety procedures and how to best respond in case of an emergency.

Workers also need to know how to operate equipment safely. When training is overlooked, it places all workers at a high risk of injury.

Massive equipment is used in the maritime industry. In some cases, this specialized equipment may malfunction or contain defects, resulting in injuries. Equipment can also fail if workers do not effectively communicate with one another.

Large maritime vessels have multiple systems that must be maintained in order for it to operate properly. Regular maintenance is essential to keeping those who work aboard vessels safe.

These three factors frequently lead to serious injuries, however, there are many other possible causes of maritime accidents.

Common Maritime Injuries

Due to the high-risk environment in which maritime workers operate, they are more susceptible to injuries. While there are numerous injuries that can occur, some of the most common types include the following:

Steps to Take After You Have Been Injured

If you were involved in a maritime accident, it’s imperative that you know how to proceed in order to protect your legal rights. Listed below are several steps an offshore injury lawyer wants you to keep in mind immediately following a maritime accident:

It’s important to notify your supervisor immediately after your accident. Failure to do so can damage your future claim. If you wait to inform your employer, insurance companies may believe that your injuries were not severe. Even if you believe your accident was minor, always report it to your supervisor.

Taking photographs of the accident scene and any injuries that you suffered can support your claim. Pictures can prove the severity of your injuries and specific details about the accident.

Seeking medical attention after an accident is vital if you plan to seek compensation for damages. An examination by a doctor will determine what type of treatment will be necessary for your recovery. Without medical records and documentation of treatment, it will be difficult to prove how your injuries have impacted your life.

Filing a claim to receive compensation is not a straightforward process. For this reason, consulting an attorney will be in your best interest. An experienced offshore injury lawyer can ensure you have the necessary paperwork and information needed for a successful claim.

These steps may help protect your legal rights and any compensation you may be entitled to receive after a maritime injury. If you wait too long, you risk negatively impacting your right to compensation. Contact our offshore injury lawyers as soon as possible, so we can review your claim and determine your legal options.

The Jones Act

In the maritime industry, there are certain laws in place that protect workers who suffer an injury while on the job. It’s important that you are aware of these laws, and which ones apply to your case.

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, provides compensation to seamen in the event that they sustain an injury. In order to be covered under the Jones Act, you must be considered a seaman. To be recognized as a seaman, you must spend at least 30 percent of your time on the job aboard a vessel.

One thing to remember is that, under the Jones Act, an injured worker has the opportunity to take legal action against their employer for damages. Proving negligence can be difficult and time-consuming. For this reason, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced offshore injury lawyer about your legal options. If you have grounds to file a lawsuit, we can guide you through the legal process.

What Our Clients Are Saying

5 Star Testimonials

Wanda C.

The service I received from Blaine & associates exceeded my expectations. They have gained my trust and worked to finalize all in my favor. Their hard work and diligence is proven!

Chad J.

Helped me get the settlement I deserved from an insurance company that fought us every step of the way. Mr. Barrilleaux made it look easy and took care of everything.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Nicole B.

Best services in the world. Could not ask for a better law firm.

Matthew C.

Blaine and his team were very helpful and I would recommend their services.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Joseph H.

I’m from out of state and a professional truck driver. I had a multi car accident in Louisiana. I was not at fault but injured. Blaine and his staff helped deal with all the insurance companies and lawyers. He was with me for my deposition and met with me when I asked him to, if I was in the area. His staff are great and very patient with people that ask the same questions over and over. I can’t say enough good things about this man as a professional. I would use him again if I need to.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Dawn W.

Blaine Barrilleaux was great. This was my first time ever filing a lawsuit and he and his office made it easy, painless, and informative. They always let me know what the next step in the case was as to not leave me lost and wondering what is going on. I would recommend him and his staff to anyone. Thanks for taking such great care of me.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Charles S.

When I was in pain, I called Blaine and he got the action I wanted! I highly recommend him as a personal injury lawyer. He’s a no nonsense, straight to the point attorney and he doesn’t let the big insurance companies push him around. HE PUSHES BACK!!! THANKS BLAINE!!!

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Victor S.

Blaine and his staff are the greatest. They’ve taken very good care of my wife and I since our accident. I would definitely recommend the law office of Mr. Blaine Barrilleaux to anyone seeking a dedicated injury attorney.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Joel P.

He made the other insurance company drive to my house to bring me my check from Texas. He was very understanding and listened to everything I said. He fought for me and got me the surgery I dearly needed. You won’t be able to find another lawyer who cares like him. He’s very patient with his clients.

Austin C.

Blaine is fair, smart and caring; his staff is great!

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Donna L.

Anytime I needed anything Blaine’s team was there to help me. They were friendly and on top of everything I asked for. I really appreciate how hard and quickly they worked to resolve my case. I would highly recommend Blaine Barrilleaux Law for anyone needing legal help.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Dawn M.

Mr. Blaine Barrilleaux and his staff made this process as painless as possible. This was my first time going through a lawsuit and he and his staff made me very comfortable and went above and beyond to make sure I understood the process and what to expect. I would recommend this law firm to anyone seeking help.

Lafayette, Louisiana USA

Jeff and Michelle

Blaine Barrilleaux and his staff went beyond what was ever expected. Blaine was very easy to talk to and he listened to all my needs and concerns. They truly care. Thanks Blaine for all you did for us.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Kimberly S.

Blaine and his staff treated my family with the most respect. Blaine cares for his clients and goes above and beyond for them. Thank you Blaine for all your hard work and time in my case.

Morgan City, LA, USA

What If You’re Not Considered a Seaman?

If you’re not considered a seaman, then you may be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Most maritime workers who are not seamen will be covered under this act.

Harbor workers, for example, fall under this category. While states have workers’ compensation acts in place to protect injured workers, the Longshore and Harbor Act will likely provide more compensation.

If you’re injured, you may be able to file your claim under both the LHWCA and the workers’ compensation act that your state provides, but you will not be able to receive benefits from both for the same injury.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

With over 25 years of legal experience, we know what it takes to help injured victims obtain the compensation they are rightfully owed. Our attention to detail and dedication to seeing our clients receive justice will be to your advantage.

At The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux, we take maritime law seriously and believe workers’ rights should always be protected. We represent injured residents in Slidell.

Keep in mind that every case is unique, so our team of offshore injury lawyers will need to review the circumstances of your individual case to determine your legal options.

To better understand maritime law and the types of benefits potentially available after an accident, please don’t hesitate to contact an offshore injury lawyer. You can reach us by calling 337-989-1212, or filling out our contact form below to schedule a free case evaluation.

We are ready to answer any questions you have about your accident.

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