Lafourche Parish Shipyard Accident Lawyer
Being a ship-worker is one of the most dangerous jobs in Lafourche Parish, even though many people do not realize it. While ship-working accidents may not get as much publicity as those in other industries, such as cross-country trucking or construction, the injuries are no less catastrophic. Anyone injured in a shipyard accident may want to consult a Lafourche Parish shipyard accident lawyer who is familiar with maritime law and injuries. Contact an experienced maritime injury attorney as soon as possible.
What are the Duties of an Employer to Shipyard Workers?
Maritime employers have a duty to provide safe working conditions for their workers. This includes regular maintenance and inspection of equipment, along with any necessary repairs. This also includes conducting adequate background checks and alcohol and drug screenings, so that one impaired worker does not imperil another employee.
Maritime and shipping companies should provide a reasonable workload, as fatigued workers taking on too large a load are more likely to have an accident. In addition, every company should make sure their workers have adequate training and receive regular evaluations. Like most industries, technology used in the shipyard changes over time, and workers need to keep abreast of the latest equipment and procedures.
Employers also need to make sure they are abiding by all safety regulations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules and all requirements for first-aid workers and safe lighting throughout the shipyard.
Common Shipyard Accidents
Shipyard workers experience all sorts of injuries. Some of the most common injuries associated with shipyard work include but are not limited to:
- Welding and cutting injuries
- Chemical burns and exposure to toxins
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Electrocution
- Falls from heights
- Falling or flying objects
- Slip and fall accidents
- Fires and explosions
Shipyard accidents can involve a lot of factors, and personal injury cases can be complex, especially since certain workers compensation and maritime laws may come into play. A Lafourche Parish shipyard accident lawyer may be able to examine the facts of the case and potentially help decide what next steps to take.
Understanding the Impact of Negligence Laws
While some southern states have very strict negligence laws that are unfavorable to victims in personal injury cases, Louisiana takes a middle of the road approach. The law in Lafourche Parish operates under the doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that a victim who contributes to their own injuries in some way may collect a damage award reduced proportionally by the fault they shared in causing the accident.
As a Lafourche Parish shipyard accident lawyer knows, certain provisions in federal maritime law typically protect ship workers and ensure that they can seek compensation for their injuries. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is usually determined to apply to shipyard workers of all kinds, even if they are not working directly on vessels.