New Orleans Maritime Attorneys And Sorts Of Accident Claims

By Willie Cashen


When it comes to work injuries at sea, New Orleans maritime lawyers are the legal professionals you should seek. These attorneys handle a specific set of cases that others do not. They are experienced in handling cases involving maritime law, or what is sometimes known as admiralty law.

These cases typically involve navigable waterways, whether a canal, sea, ocean, or river. Accidents involving vessels whether commercial, pleasure, or recreational, in addition to offshore oil and gas rigs and the nation's many ports also fall under maritime law. The day to day cases of maritime lawyers involve things such as boat collisions or personal injury while performing the duties of one's job.

Jones Act

One of the primary laws New Orleans maritime lawyers file claims under is the Jones Act. Also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act pertains to seamen who are injured while working aboard a vessel because of negligence.

A maintenance and cure claim is another type of claim that falls under the Jones Act. It involves serious injury or illness suffered while working on a vessel. Maintenance refers to money received by the injured seaman to cover the day-to-day costs of living during their recovery time, and cure is payment for medical bills stemming from the injury or sickness.

Longshore and Harbor Worker's Comp Act (LHWCA)

Most laborers, including longshoremen, dockworkers and stevedores, who are injured or killed during maritime work at a port are protected by what's known as the Longshore and Harbor Worker's Comp Act, or LHWCA for short.

The LHWCA covers medical costs and disability payments, in addition to any costs associated with rehabilitation due to an injury. Families of workers killed on the job may also be given a death benefit.

Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)

New Orleans maritime lawyers are trained to handle claims under a maritime law often known as the DOHSA. The Death on the High Seas Act protects maritime workers who have died at sea, including aviation accidents more than 12 nautical miles offshore, as a result of negligence by another.

The act pays out benefits to the dependents of the deceased, including spouse, children, and other dependent relatives. The amount provided is calculated based on the cost of living, multiplying the amount of time the seaman likely would have lived by his or her hourly wage.

General maritime law covers claims that do not fall under the umbrella of one of the acts listed above.

Legal Help Available Today

New Orleans maritime lawyers have an important role in protecting the lives and families of maritime workers. These lawyers handle a large number of cases, as accident and injury are unfortunately common when dealing with maritime work.




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