Louisiana, with its Gulf coast location, boasts a robust maritime industry. The shipping, offshore oil drilling, and fishing industries employ a significant number of Louisianans, many of whom rely on these jobs for their financial well-being. Our blog often discusses how Louisiana workers are protected from unsafe work environments, and this applies to those who work offshore as well.
For an example, let us look at a recently filed lawsuit against a vessel owner. An employee recently filed a lawsuit in federal court in Louisiana claiming he slipped and fell when stepping out of his cabin. The man alleges a rug slipped out from under his feet, causing him to fall and suffer significant injuries to his neck, shoulders, and left elbow. The man claims the vessel owner was negligent by failing to provide a seaworthy vessel and to recognize and remedy the hazard. He seeks damages of up to $4 million.
Admiralty and maritime laws applies to incidents that occur offshore. These bodies of law, while similar to those that apply to onshore workplaces, have some significant differences. Those who fail to inform themselves of the law as it applies to these offshore accidents may put forth an inadequate claim and be denied the compensation they deserve.
Those who have been injured in an offshore accident can benefit from working with an attorney who is well-versed in admiralty and maritime law. A knowledgeable attorney can fight to recover compensation for the losses suffered, and work to put a victim in a position where he or she can focus on recovering his or her health.
Source: The Louisiana Record, “Ship worker alleges vessel owner allowed unsafe work environment,” Maravillas Magtoto, Aug. 2, 2016
