People who have been injured in an offshore accident on an oil rig, commercial vessel or other craft might be wondering if they have good enough cause to look into maritime injury attorneys in Crowley, LA. If they were injured on the job or due to the negligence or intentional malfeasance of someone else, chances are they should hire an attorney. Read on to learn a little bit more about maritime law and the protections afforded to those injured in offshore accidents.
The Basics
Maritime laws are designed primarily to protect workers on the high seas and to hold those who have directly or indirectly caused their injuries responsible. There are three laws, in particular, that tend to be cited in personal injury cases. These are the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore Claims.
Jones Act
This law holds employers responsible for injuries to offshore workers that occur due to employer negligence. Negligence, in this case, can mean anything from providing inadequate training to overexerting employees, or failing to provide safety gear or a safe work area. The majority of maritime injuries occur due to negligence and victims of them can often pursue compensation under the Jones Act.
Longshore Claims
Unlike the Jones Act, which applies only to offshore operations, Longshore Claims are intended to protect those maritime workers who primarily work on land but perform work that is related to offshore oil rigs or other commercial operations. Basically, it was intended to ensure that all maritime workers were granted legal protections, even those not covered under the Jones Act.
Death on the High Seas Act
Nothing is worse than losing a loved one at sea, but when the death occurred due to employer negligence, it can seem impossible for families to move on with their lives. They can contact maritime injury attorneys in Crowley, LA to find out whether they are eligible to receive compensation and damages.
Learn More Today
Readers who still aren’t sure whether their injuries will be covered might want to direct their questions to a law firm with experience in maritime law. Visit Chrisrichardattorney.com to learn more about one local firm that can help. You can also watch video on their YouTube channel.
