Protecting Injured Offshore Workers for Over 35 Years
Offshore jobs are some of the most dangerous in Louisiana. Whether you work on an oil rig, a tugboat, a barge, or a supply vessel, the risk of serious injury is high. These types of accidents often fall under maritime law, which is a highly specialized area that includes the Jones Act and other federal and state statutes.
At Haik, Minvielle, Grubbs & D’Albor (HMGD), we’ve spent more than 35 years representing injured offshore workers throughout New Iberia, New Orleans, and across the Gulf Coast. Our personal injury attorneys understand the complex legal rules that apply to these claims, and we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal law that allows certain offshore workers (called "seamen") to sue their employer for negligence if they are injured on the job. This includes workers on ships, barges, tugboats, floating rigs, and similar vessels. To qualify, you must spend a significant amount of time working on a vessel in navigable waters.
Under the Jones Act, injured workers can seek compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Disability and loss of enjoyment of life
If an employer’s negligence played any role in your injury, they can be held liable.
Additional Maritime Protections
If you were injured while being transported to or from an offshore site, or while working on a fixed offshore platform, you may also have rights under:
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
- Louisiana state law, depending on where the platform is located
These laws provide access to full damages and may apply even if you're already receiving workers’ comp benefits from your employer.
Common Types of Offshore Accidents
At HMGD, we’ve handled a wide range of maritime injury claims, including:
- Oil rig explosions and equipment failures
- Falls from heights on platforms or vessels
- Barge and tugboat accidents
- Crane and cargo loading incidents
- Commercial fishing injuries
- Transport injuries during crew changes
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Every case is different, but common forms of compensation in offshore injury cases include:
- Medical treatment (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Maintenance and cure (living expenses and medical care while recovering)
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or permanent impairment
In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also recover for funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Why Hire HMGD for Your Maritime Injury Claim
Not all personal injury firms are equipped to handle offshore accident cases. These claims are complex and often involve fighting large corporations and their insurance companies. At HMGD, we bring:
- Over three decades of experience in maritime and Jones Act law
- A deep understanding of Louisiana courts, laws, and industry practices
- A willingness to go to trial when needed to get results
- Personalized attention and guidance from day one
What To Do After an Offshore Accident
- Report the injury immediately to your supervisor
- Request medical treatment and document all care
- Avoid signing statements or speaking with company lawyers
- Contact HMGD to protect your rights and explore your legal options
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured offshore, contact our experienced maritime injury attorneys today. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
Contact us now or call us at (337) 365-5486 to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Jones Act and how does it protect offshore workers?
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employers if negligence played any role in causing their injury. It provides compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering.
2. Who qualifies as a “seaman” under the Jones Act?
A seaman is someone who spends a significant amount of time working on a vessel in navigable waters, such as a tugboat, barge, or drilling rig.
3. How long do I have to file an offshore injury claim?
Typically, you must file a Jones Act claim within three years of the injury. However, deadlines can vary, so it’s best to contact an attorney right away.
4. Can I sue my employer for an offshore accident?
Yes. If you qualify under the Jones Act and your employer was negligent, you can file a lawsuit for compensation.
5. What compensation can I receive under maritime law?
You may recover lost wages, medical expenses, maintenance and cure, pain and suffering, and damages for disability or loss of life enjoyment.
6. What is the difference between the Jones Act and general maritime law?
The Jones Act is a federal statute that applies specifically to seamen. General maritime law may apply to injuries that occur in navigable waters but don’t involve seamen.
7. Do I need a lawyer for a maritime injury claim?
Yes. These cases are complex and require knowledge of specific laws. A lawyer can help you recover the full compensation you're entitled to.
8. What happens if I was partially at fault for my offshore injury?
Under the Jones Act, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation may be reduced based on your share of the blame.
9. Can family members file a wrongful death claim for an offshore accident?
Yes. If a loved one dies due to negligence offshore, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages.
10. How much does it cost to hire a maritime injury lawyer at HMGD?
There is no upfront cost. We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
