Lafayette Maritime Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Maritime Accident Attorney

When serious injuries or deaths occur on the water, having a knowledgeable and experienced Lafayette maritime accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference. At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, we’ve built our reputation representing injured maritime workers, offshore employees, and their families across Louisiana. From oil rig explosions to tugboat collisions, we know how to hold negligent employers and vessel owners accountable.

About Us

At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, we bring over 50 years of proven experience to every case we handle. Our team of award-winning attorneys has been recognized by prestigious national organizations for their excellence in legal advocacy and results.

We’ve secured multi-million-dollar recoveries for our clients and are known for handling even the most complex maritime and personal injury cases with precision, strategy, and determination. When you work with Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, you’re gaining a team that fights hard and delivers results.

New Orleans Louisiana

We take care of Your family while you can’t work

schedule a consultation

Call for A Consultation 504-525-4361

Understanding Maritime Law and Your Rights

Maritime law governs accidents and injuries that happen on navigable waters. These laws are separate from standard personal injury laws and involve a blend of federal statutes, international treaties, and long-standing legal traditions.

With over 400,000 U.S. workers employed in the maritime industry, 42.6% of severe maritime injuries requiring amputation or hospitalization, and fishermen 40 times more likely to die of a work-related accident, the unique nature of this legal area means that not every attorney is equipped to handle maritime accident cases.

At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, our attorneys bring decades of focused experience to the table.

Common types of maritime accident cases include the following:

• Offshore oil rig injuries
• Commercial fishing accidents
• Tugboat and barge collisions
• Injuries aboard crew boats, ferries, and cargo ships
• Longshoreman and dock worker injuries
• Fatalities resulting from vessel explosions or capsizing

Our Lafayette maritime accident attorneys are intimately familiar with the specific legal protections available to seamen and maritime workers under federal law, including the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and general maritime law negligence claims.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of maritime accidents could be eligible for substantial compensation, depending on the circumstances of their injury and the laws that apply. A Lafayette maritime accident lawyer from our team can help you determine what damages you’re entitled to, which could include the following:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members

Under the Jones Act, victims can also pursue damages for employer negligence in certain cases. Additionally, unseaworthiness claims under general maritime law allow injured seamen to file claims against the owners of a vessel for unsafe conditions that contributed to the accident. That’s why the team at Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, fights for the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need to Hire a Maritime Accident Lawyer

Maritime employers and vessel owners are often backed by large insurance companies that act quickly to protect their interests. You need to hire a maritime accident lawyer who has insider knowledge of how to leverage the law in your favor. A Lafayette maritime accident attorney from Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, can help you with the following tasks:

• Investigating the accident and gathering critical evidence
• Determining the applicable legal framework for your claim
• Identifying responsible parties, as more than one entity is often liable
• Pursuing maximum compensation, including maintenance and cure benefits

At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, we act fast to secure maintenance and cure benefits, preserve important evidence, and initiate legal proceedings before key deadlines expire. Our team works with maritime experts, medical professionals, and accident reconstructionist to build strong cases from the ground up.

The Local Edge: Why Hiring a Lafayette Maritime Accident Attorney Matters

Hiring a Lafayette maritime accident attorney gives you an edge that out-of-town firms can’t match. At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, we know the local maritime industry inside and out, from offshore drilling to commercial fishing.

Our attorneys regularly handle cases in the Lafayette Parish Courthouse and the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, giving us firsthand knowledge of court procedures and expectations.

With strong ties to the community and trusted local experts, we have the ability to efficiently investigate and become the advocate you need.

FAQs

Can I File a Maritime Injury Claim if I Was Hired in Louisiana but Injured Offshore Near Texas?

Yes, you can file a maritime injury claim if you were hired in Louisiana but injured offshore. Where you file depends on multiple factors, including where you were hired, where the vessel is registered, and where the company is headquartered. If you were hired in Louisiana, our Lafayette maritime accident attorneys can file your claim here.

What if I Am Injured While Training or Not Actively Working on the Vessel?

If you are injured while training or not actively working on a vessel, you could still have a valid claim. Under maritime law, you don’t need to be performing your core duties at the time of the accident to qualify as a seaman or maritime worker. Your injury could still be compensable, depending on the context and your employment classification.

Are Independent Contractors Covered by Maritime Law Protections?

In some cases, independent contractors can be covered by maritime law protections. While independent contractors aren’t traditionally covered by the Jones Act, they could still have rights under general maritime law for claims that stem from negligence or unseaworthiness. The level of control exercised by the employer can influence your eligibility.

Can I Claim PTSD Or Mental Trauma From a Maritime Accident?

Yes, you can claim PTSD or mental trauma from a maritime accident. Maritime accident claims can include emotional and psychological damages, especially if the accident involved traumatic injury, fatalities, or near-death experiences. If PTSD or anxiety has affected your ability to work or enjoy life, our Lafayette maritime accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation.

Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC: Your Trusted Legal Advocate

If you or your loved one was injured while working offshore, aboard a vessel, or anywhere within navigable waters, Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, is ready to help you get the justice you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.