Louisiana offshore injury claims are vastly different from other personal injury cases. Learn more about the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, the Jones Act, and which applies to your specific case.
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If you’ve been injured offshore, one of the first questions you might have is: What compensation am I entitled to? The answer depends on several factors, including where and how your injury occurred.
If you were injured while working on a fixed offshore platform, your case may fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Under this act, your employer is responsible for:
Paying two-thirds of your average weekly wage
Covering all necessary medical expenses
Additionally, if a third party (such as another company) contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to additional compensation, including:
Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages (past and future)
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish and disability
Loss of enjoyment of life
If you were injured while working as a seaman on a vessel, you may be covered under the Jones Act. This law entitles you to:
Maintenance (a modest daily living allowance)
Cure (coverage of accident-related medical expenses)
You may also have a claim for negligence against your employer or a claim for unseaworthiness against the vessel’s owner.
Offshore injury claims are complex and require expert legal analysis. The best step you can take after an offshore injury is to consult with an experienced personal injury law firm. At Anderson Blanda & Saltzman, we are here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Contact us today for a consultation.