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Injured at Sea? You Have Powerful Rights Under the Jones Act

Life offshore is demanding and dangerous. Whether you work aboard a tugboat, fishing vessel, supply ship, jackup rig, dredge, drilling barge, or any vessel in navigation, you face hazards every single day. When something goes wrong, injuries are often severe and life-changing. Fortunately, the Jones Act gives injured seamen the right to pursue compensation directly from their employer when unsafe conditions or negligence contribute to an accident.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers proudly represents Louisiana’s offshore workers. Our Louisiana Jones Act attorneys help injured seamen recover compensation for medical care, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and more. If you were hurt offshore, you do not have to take on a maritime company or insurance carrier alone — our team stands ready to fight for you.

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What the Jones Act Means for Injured Seamen

Unlike land-based employees who file workers' compensation claims, seamen are protected by a federal law that gives them broader rights. The Jones Act allows marine workers to file a lawsuit directly against their employer when unsafe conditions lead to injury. You may qualify as a seaman if:

  • You work aboard a vessel in navigation
  • You spend at least 30 percent of your work life on that vessel
  • Your duties contribute to the mission or function of the vessel

Deckhands, drillers, boat captains, cooks, engineers, mates, commercial fishermen, tankermen, and many other offshore positions meet these criteria. If you qualify, the law allows you to pursue monetary compensation that goes far beyond basic medical care.

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How Maritime Injuries Happen

Offshore workplaces can be unpredictable, and even a small mistake can cause a catastrophic injury. Common causes of Jones Act claims include:

  • Poor safety protocols or a lack of training
  • Slippery or poorly maintained decks
  • Defective or uninspected equipment
  • Falls from platforms, stairs, or rigging
  • Explosions or fires
  • Heavy lifting injuries caused by understaffing
  • Being struck by swinging cables, loads, or machinery
  • Fatigue caused by long shifts and unsafe scheduling

Our legal team investigates the root cause of your accident and determines exactly how employer negligence contributed.

Negligence Under the Jones Act

The Jones Act gives injured workers a lower burden of proof than traditional injury lawsuits. Even slight negligence can be enough to hold an employer responsible. You may have a case if your employer failed to:

  • Provide a reasonably safe place to work
  • Maintain equipment, decks, or machinery
  • Implement safe operating procedures
  • Correct hazards they knew about
  • Provide proper tools, crew size, or safety gear

We gather evidence, interview witnesses, analyze company procedures, and work with maritime experts to build a strong claim demonstrating employer fault.

Maintenance and Cure Explained

Regardless of negligence, injured seamen are entitled to “maintenance and cure.”

This includes:

  • Maintenance reimbursement for daily living expenses while you recover
  • Cure payment for all reasonable medical treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement

If your employer delays, underpays, or refuses maintenance and cure, we take immediate action to enforce your rights.

Compensation You May Recover Under the Jones Act

A serious offshore injury may affect your health, your livelihood, and your family’s financial future. Our attorneys calculate the full value of your damages, which may include:

  • Medical bills and long-term care
  • Lost wages during recovery
  • Diminished earning ability
  • Loss of future income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Scarring or permanent impairment

If your injury prevents you from returning to offshore work, we work with economists to calculate long-term earning losses with precision.

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Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

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kelly

Lake Charles

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a high level of reliability. Jillie consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everything is handled efficiently and with care. Her knowledge and work ethic make her an outstanding professional, and I would highly recommend her!

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Baton Rouge

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) which is always a breath of fresh air to be around someone who is genuine. She's a doll and anyone who comes into contact with her is a lucky one!

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Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

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Melanie B.

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. He...

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. Her communication is clear, and she truly cares about delivering results. I couldn’t recommend her more highly!

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Mimi

Lake Charles

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

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Tracie Martin

Alexandria

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

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Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are gua...

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are guaranteed to work hard on your case and get the outcome you deserve. Brittani C. is one of the most organized, thorough and helpful paralegals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She keeps you informed and answers all your questions throughout the litigation process.

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Patrick Conner

Baton Rouge

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

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Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

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What to Do After an Offshore Injury

Steps you take immediately after an accident can protect your health and your claim.

When possible:

  • Report your injury to your supervisor as soon as you can
  • Request a medical evaluation immediately
  • Photograph hazards, equipment, or conditions that contributed to the accident
  • Avoid signing incident reports without legal advice
  • Decline recorded statements to company representatives
  • Keep copies of all medical paperwork
  • Contact Laborde Earles as quickly as possible

Offshore companies often move fast to protect themselves. You deserve someone protecting your rights with the same urgency.

Why Injured Seamen Choose Laborde Earles

Maritime workers across Louisiana trust Laborde Earles because we treat every case with compassion, precision, and relentless advocacy. We provide:

  • Deep knowledge of the Jones Act and maritime injury law
  • Thorough investigations and expert-backed case building
  • Full handling of all communication with the company and insurers
  • Aggressive negotiation for maximum compensation
  • A readiness to take your case to trial when necessary

We are Louisiana Attorneys That Care, and we take great pride in protecting the workers who keep our state running.

Jones Act Claims Clear Answers to Important Questions

How long do I have to file a Jones Act lawsuit?

Generally, you have three years from the date of injury, but earlier action is always beneficial.

Can I still file a claim if I share some blame?

Yes. Under the Jones Act, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.

What if my employer says I am not a seaman?

Employers sometimes deny seaman status to avoid liability. We evaluate your duties and work time to confirm your legal classification.

What if I was pressured not to report my injury?

This is common offshore. You still have rights, and we can help protect them.

Do you have more questions?

Our team is here to answer every question about your case—clearly and honestly.

(337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Call a Louisiana Jones Act Lawyer Today

If you were injured while working offshore, you deserve a legal team that understands maritime law and fights tirelessly for Louisiana’s seamen. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has recovered more than one billion dollars for clients, and we stand ready to help you next.

Call today for a free consultation and let us begin protecting your future.

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Lafayette

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1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70508

 (337) 777-7777
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Alexandria

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100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

 (318) 777-7777
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Marksville

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306 N Washington St. Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

 (318) 310-8922
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New Iberia

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230 W. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560

 (337) 547-2777
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Lake Charles

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530 E. College St.
Lake Charles, LA 70605

 (337) 612-6909
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Baton Rouge

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660 St. Ferdinand St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

 (225) 777-7777
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New Orleans

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821 Baronne St. Suite D.
New Orleans, LA 70113

 (504) 777-7777
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