Distinquishing the Best Louisiana Maritime Attorneys For Your Lawsuit

 Distinquishing the Best Louisiana Maritime Attorneys For Your Lawsuit

 

Law Many maritime jobs involve risks that could result in serious injury or even death. Regrettably there are all kinds of potential mishaps lurking while working for the offshore oil and gas service market, stevedoring companies, barge fleets, marine or anchor salvage companies, or commercial fishing fleets among many other maritime jobs. Heedless crewmembers, ship operators cutting corners on safety measures, imprudent captains, collisions between vessels, loss of footing on a slick deck, lack of adequate railing, malfunctioning equipment, shifting cargo, fires and explosions from well blowouts, and severe weather conditions are just some of the myriad situations that can result in a significant injury or death. The particular branch of law, which handles maritime accident related litigation, is referred to as Maritime Law or Admiralty Law. Due to the fact Maritime Law can be confusing and complex for those who are not well versed in the specificity of this branch of law, it is important to select an experienced Louisiana maritime attorney, instead of just hiring a personal injury lawyer. Competent Louisiana maritime attorneys will examine your case to see if you qualify as an injured

 seaman for maintenance and cure, and /or restitution from the Jones Act and the doctrine of a ship’s “un-seaworthiness.” Who Qualifies? Spending at least 30% of your work time on a vessel under navigation or other floating or movable structure along the Louisiana inland waterways or in the Gulf of Mexico will most likely entitled you to reciprocity under Louisiana and federal maritime and admiralty laws, if you suffer a serious injury while on the job. In addition, the Jones Act also protects the loved one or family of a maritime worker who is killed while working on a vessel resulting from carelessness, including the unseaworthiness of the vessel. Land based maritime laborers are not eligible for the protections offered by the Jones Act. However, they may be eligible for compensation under The Longshore and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act. All those employed in maritime careers, including longshore workers or other persons in longshore operations, and any harbor workers, including ship

 repairers, builders, and breakers are covered under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act. The Act excludes those maritime workers, who are covered under the Jones Act. The term "injury" in both the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act and the Jones Act includes occupational illness arising out of employment. Do You Know Your Rights? The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, now known as the Jones Act governs the liability of vessel operators and marine employers for their employee’s work-related injuries. Recovering damages involves proving negligence or fault on the part of the vessel’s owners, operators, officers, and/or fellow workers or show defect, also called “unseaworthiness,” with the vessel, making it not only un fit for its designed use, but also an unsafe place to work and live. If you are an offshore maritime worker and you have unfortunately been gravely injured, be sure to fill out the accident report or incident paperwork as soon as you can. With extreme injuries it is essential to have a accomplished Louisiana maritime attorney look over any paperwork your employer gives you to sign. If you have been in a serious incident, it is advised not to give a recorded statement to anyone without first seeking legal advice. This can occasionally be difficult. Ultimately, seek out your own doctor to understand the difficulties of your injuries. Some companies

 may try to steer you towards their doctors who may not have your best interests in mind when they give a diagnosis. When deciding on a Lawyer look for law firms that have not only specialized Louisiana maritime attorneys to prepare and present your case, but also a team of folks who can immediately investigate your accident, photograph and preserve the evidence, question witnesses, and protect all of your legal rights. An important decision you'll make is selecting the right Louisiana maritime attorneys to take on your case. Search for qualified New Orleans Maritime Attorneys web sites by doing an effortless search on the world wide web. One highly respected firm you can have confidence in to represent your maritime law case is the law office of Gordon, Elias && Seely, L.L.P., with their knowledgeable Maritime Law and Jones Act lawyers.