Average Offshore Injury Settlement in Louisiana

If you’ve been hurt while working offshore, you may find yourself wondering what the average offshore injury settlement in Louisiana is. Unfortunately, there’s no concrete number that can tell you exactly how much your settlement should be. However, knowing the key elements affecting settlement amounts can let you assess your offshore injury claim’s potential value.

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we represent injured workers throughout Louisiana in seeking full and equal compensation under complicated offshore injury rules. With over 35 years of experience, we understand how to evaluate claims, develop strong cases, and advocate for the greatest compensation possible.

The Average Offshore Injury Settlement

Some offshore injury cases result in comparatively low settlements, while more severe injuries often lead to significant payouts. Instead of trying to calculate an exact average, it’s important to focus on your individual situation. The circumstances surrounding your accident and your injuries greatly impact your settlement value. The following questions are considered in settlement determinations:

• How severe was your injury?
• Could you return to work, or did you suffer a permanent disability?
• Was your employer extremely negligent?

The more evidence you have to support these factors, the better off you’ll be when it comes time to negotiate a fair settlement.

From 2023 to 2024, Louisiana Works recorded 14,400 non-fatal injuries across the private sector. 320 of these occurred in mining and resource extraction, with another 5,470 taking place in transportation, trade, and utilities. While it does not note maritime industries specifically, this information shows the prevalence of injuries in fields involving maritime activities.

The Types of Compensation You Can Recover

You may be entitled to recover many types of damages if you were injured offshore. Known as offshore injury damages, these can help injured workers heal from their accident and move forward. Some examples of compensation include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation, including physical therapy

In some extreme cases, additional damages may be applicable if your employer was grossly negligent or reckless in allowing your accident to occur. These are known as punitive damages.

No two offshore injury settlements are alike. What the typical settlement looks like is irrelevant if it doesn’t address your full financial and personal burdens. A good Louisiana offshore injury attorney can include all the important points and advocate for the most money possible for your injuries.

How to Pursue Full Compensation

The first thing you should do is get medical treatment and stick with the prescribed regimen. Avoid taking any breaks from care, as insurance companies often scrutinize periods without treatment. Document your injury with your employer, and make sure an official report is filed. If your claim is processed in Louisiana, your case would be heard by the 39th Judicial District Court, Red River Parish Courthouse, which serves Coushatta and the surrounding region.

Offshore oil workers who are injured on the job can seek damages if their employer was even partially at fault. You may also be entitled to seek benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Make sure you don’t settle too soon or for too little after taking the right steps on your end. Hire an offshore injury lawyer who knows how to build your offshore injury case so you can recover all your losses.

About Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates

Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates is dedicated to serving injured workers and families throughout Louisiana. Our founding attorney, Jacqueline Scott, is a seasoned lawyer with more than 35 years of experience. She combines her in-depth knowledge of offshore injury law with a commitment to building personalized strategies for her clients. You can trust that our legal team, with over 75 years of combined experience, can work diligently to pursue the greatest outcome.

FAQs

Will My Employer’s Negligence Increase My Settlement?

If unsafe work conditions and employer failures to follow safety regulations contributed to your injury, they can result in a higher settlement amount. Demonstrating employer negligence when filing your claim can drastically improve your compensation. It may take substantial evidence, like maintenance logs, eyewitness testimonies, and professional analysis, to obtain full value on your claim.

Is My Offshore Accident Settlement Taxable?

In most cases, settlements for physical injuries or maritime accidents are not taxable. However, elements of a settlement may be federally taxable, including punitive damages and interest that accrued on the settlement amount. An experienced wrongful death attorney and a tax consultant can explain your tax responsibilities so you aren’t hit with a surprise bill.

Can I Recover Damages for Future Medical Treatment?

Yes, you can recover damages for future medical treatment. Offshore injury settlements can include estimates for future medical needs. Surgery, therapy, and future medical bills can be incorporated into your claim. Your attorney can use medical professionals to record your future needs. That way, your financial recovery can cover both current and future losses.

What Is Maintenance and Cure in an Offshore Injury Case?

Maintenance and cure is a maritime law provision. It entitles injured seamen to coverage for basic living expenses and medical treatment during their recovery period. No-fault coverage, like maintenance and cure, should be calculated into your total compensation. An attorney can see that you file this claim with your other damages.

Can I Pursue Damages If I Am Partially at Fault?

You may still be eligible to pursue compensation if you were partially at fault for your injury. Workers who are injured on the job under the Jones Act can receive a reduced settlement if they share some of the fault. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. This differs from typical workers’ compensation rules.

Hire an Offshore Injury Lawyer Today

When you’re ready to hire an offshore injury lawyer, allow Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates to represent you. We’re proud to offer experience that spans decades, paired with personalized legal strategies to meet your needs.

Our firm understands the difficulties that come with offshore injuries. We strive to provide knowledgeable representation so that you can benefit from offshore injury laws and focus on the future with confidence. Contact Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates today to advocate for your future.