LaFourche Parish Supply Boat Accident Lawyer

Although important to our economy and way of life, gas and oil rigs can be extremely dangerous work environments. When accidents occur, serious injuries often result. Some of these accidents take place because supply boats are used to transport various supplies and equipment between the mainland and offshore rigs. An experienced Lafourche Parish supply boat accident lawyer can help you recover your damages if you were injured a supply boat accident.

In addition to helping you move forward in your recovery, a qualified maritime injury attorney can help you understand all the various federal and state laws that may impact how your case plays out. Arrange for an appointment to discuss potential legal strategies that may be effective for your case.

Types of Supply Boats

The type of supply boat utilized out on the water often depends on the types of supplies and equipment needed. It is quite common for supply boats to span several hundred feet in length and have dozens of crew members working on board.

While these boats are an ideal way to get items and necessary supplies to oil and gas rigs, dangerous conditions may be created by strong winds, slippery conditions on board, or even mechanical failure. Catastrophic injuries to the joints, neck, back, and brain, as well as severe burn injuries or even death commonly occur.

Serious supply boat accidents may leave someone with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including cognitive impairment that renders them unable to work again. Others may need limbs amputated or become paralyzed. For any such injury stemming from an incident on or involving a supply boat, a Lafourche Parish accident attorney could help affected parties determine how much compensation they may be entitled to seek from their employer.

The Jones Act

Also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act—listed under 46 U.S.C. § 30104—is a federal law that supports and enables employees working in maritime jobs. Supply boat workers who are injured at sea while working typically may seek legal damages for their injuries directly from their employer thanks to this Act.

Under the Jones Act, injured employees generally are allowed to file their cases in federal or state court. Under most circumstances, maritime law does not give plaintiffs the right to a jury trial, but the Jones Act typically allows plaintiffs in personal injury cases that right.

Individuals who were injured on a supply boat may want to contact a skilled Lafourche supply boat accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that they are receiving all of the benefits they are entitled to under the law. For example, crew members who are injured while serving on a vessel typically must receive medical care paid for by the employer until they are healed or as close to completing treatment as they can be, no matter who is at fault.

Furthermore, the employer is typically required to give the employee a daily stipend equivalent to room and board on the vessel. This is often known as maintenance.

Speak with a Lafourche Parish Supply Boat Accident Attorney

After a serious maritime workplace accident, an attorney who is well-versed in maritime law could stand up for your legal rights. They could fight to help you receive fair and just compensation. If a settlement demand letter does not yield optimal results, a seasoned and compassionate Lafourche Parish supply boat accident lawyer could file a lawsuit in state or federal court to help you recover damages. Call for more information or to schedule a consultation.