A significant number of Louisiana residents rely on jobs that place them on ships, barges, and other boats. While these are often well-paying jobs that can provide stability, they can also pose a significant threat of harm. Unsafe conditions and negligent operation can lead to maritime accidents and the risk of offshore injuries. Recovering from such harm can be difficult on a physical and emotional level, and it can leave an individual facing severe financial hardship.
One Louisianan is learning this firsthand after his lower back was injured in a boating accident. According to the claim, the vessel on which the injured individual was working collided with its tow. The victim alleges that the towing company, Blessey Marine Service Inc., operated negligently. He is now seeking $2 million in damages, which include pain and suffering and permanent disability.
Individuals who are injured on the job, like this man, often suffer financial hardship in the form of medical expenses and lost wages. When they are unable to recoup these losses, individuals may have trouble paying their mortgage or rent, their utility bills, and buying their groceries. This is why personal injury lawsuits are so critical to victims and their families.
Yet, filing a successful claim is not as easy as it may seem, particularly in the maritime context. Statutory law can be complex in this area, and case law can complicate matters further. Therefore, those who have suffered offshore injuries may want to consider speaking with a legal professional who can inform them of the law as it applies to their situation and guide them through the legal options available to them.
Source: Louisiana Record, “Tankerman blames marine towing company for his injuries,” Louie Torres, April 8, 2016
