Louisiana Offshore Injury Claims 2025 – All You Need to Know

Louisiana is home to many oil and gas companies that employ people on offshore vessels. This work pays well, but is exceedingly dangerous. In the event of an injury, Louisiana offshore injury claims provide the means to recover damages for the victim.

Experienced Offshore Injury Lawyers in Louisiana

If you are going through an offshore injury, it is likely a very complicated procedure. At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we’re used to dealing with complicated cases. Our firm is a valuable resource for our clients when they feel like they have exhausted all their options.

Can I File a Louisiana Offshore Injury Claim?

There are different laws that apply to different employees who work in the offshore industry. The most relevant ones are the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA).

The Jones Act applies to seamen. These employees are those who spend a significant amount of their work time on a vessel on navigable waters.

For people who do not work on a vessel, they might still qualify for help under the LHWCA. This applies to people like dock workers and others who do not work on a vessel, but still work in the industry.

Other people might qualify for a personal injury claim. This might be the case if a third party, like a vendor, did not take necessary precautions to keep you safe. This applies to situations like equipment malfunctions and other injuries that are not necessarily the fault of working on the vessel.

Frequent Challenges in Offshore Injuries

Every offshore injury claim is different. However, there are some trends that can be gathered based on the claims we see most often. The most challenging aspects of an offshore injury claim include:

• Complicated laws. There are many laws that might apply to your case. It can be difficult to figure out which ones are relevant and which ones are not. With the help of an offshore injury lawyer, these laws can make much more sense.
• Insurance companies. Large insurance companies often do not see the suffering that regular people go through. They might deny a claim in order to save money. It can take professional action to force the insurance company to pay out damages.
• Getting evidence. It is hard to gather evidence if you are still injured from an offshore accident. However, evidence often disappears if it is not gathered soon after the accident. An attorney can make sure your claim has as much evidence as possible to prove that your injuries and the accident are connected.
• Permanent injuries. Some offshore injuries lead to permanent disability. This can affect your earning ability in the future, in addition to your medical expenses. An attorney can account for all the expenses associated with these injuries to make sure you are not getting taken advantage of when you are offered a settlement.
• Multiple localities. Offshore injuries can be difficult to work through because they often deal with both federal and state law. Many maritime laws are established on the national level, while personal injury laws are dictated by the state. This means that it can be hard to understand all the laws that impact your case.

There were 34 workplace fatalities in the transportation industry in Louisiana in 2023. This was the highest number of fatalities by industry. Due to the dangers of offshore employment, it is important to work with an attorney who understands the sacrifices you make.

Why Hire an Offshore Injury Lawyer?

An attorney can help you determine what type of worker you are classified as based on the work you do. This is important to establish before filing a claim so that you proceed with the appropriate legal steps in your case.

An attorney can also work with you through all stages of the claim and even file an appeal if necessary. Hire an offshore injury lawyer to improve the outcome of your claim.

Why Choose Us?

Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates has seen how companies treat their employees. Their lack of care can lead to serious injuries to offshore workers. Our goal is to help victims receive compensation for these negligent behaviors to help them receive justice.

FAQs

How to Gather Evidence for Offshore Accident Cases?

To gather evidence for offshore accident cases, speak with a personal injury attorney. The attorney can help educate you on the most effective ways to gather evidence and can even do so for you. They can gather medical records and witness testimonies from employers and coworkers on the vessel.

What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove in an Offshore Injury Claim?

The hardest injury to prove in an offshore injury claim is mental or internal. Injuries like traumatic brain injuries are difficult to prove because the side effects could be attributed to other issues. Mood and personality issues might be difficult to articulate. Injuries like organ damage might not show up until after the accident, making it hard to link them to the accident as the cause.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Work-Related Offshore Injuries in Louisiana?

To file a claim for work-related offshore injuries in Louisiana, you typically have two years from the date the accident happened. However, this is only for personal injury claims. If you are filing under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, there are different timelines that apply.

Do I Need a Lawyer for an Offshore Accident Claim?

You need a lawyer for an offshore accident claim. This is because many claims get denied due to a lack of documentation or missing the filing deadline. A lawyer can help you file a claim that’s correct and timely to make sure you have the greatest chance possible of receiving compensation. They can also explain which of the many laws governing offshore injuries apply to your situation.

Work With a Trusted Firm

Almost 28% of all workplace fatalities in Louisiana are within the transportation industry. Offshore injuries happen more frequently than many people think. For an effective claim that gives you the damages you deserve, schedule a consultation with Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates today.