Bossier City Offshore Injury Lawyer

Offshore Injury Attorney in Bossier City, LA

A life at sea means being far from home when an accident happens, and once you reach shore, you’re left dealing with pain, medical bills, and the uncertainty of whether you’ll be able to return to the job that supports your family. That’s where a Bossier City offshore injury lawyer can step in.

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we’re dedicated to protecting your rights and guiding you toward a fair resolution.

About Us

Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates has been serving clients across Louisiana for over 35 years, consistently earning recognition for excellence and outstanding results. Our award-winning attorney understands that legal matters can be stressful, and we make it our mission to provide guidance, support, and clarity at every stage.

Understanding Offshore Injury Laws

With over 400,000 workers in the maritime industry, 42.6% of injuries requiring inpatient hospitalization, and fishermen being 40 times more likely to die in a work-related accident, it’s safe to say that working offshore exposes employees to a set of risks and legal protections that are very different from those in the typical workplace injuries

These legal protections exist to protect seamen, maritime workers, and anyone employed on offshore platforms, making sure they get medical care, compensation for lost wages, and support for long-term disabilities. Some key offshore injury laws include:

• The Jones Act, which allows seamen injured due to employer negligence to file claims for damages
• Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, which covers dock workers, longshoremen, and other maritime employees who don’t qualify as seamen
• General Maritime Law, which governs claims for unseaworthiness and other rights for seafarers
• Death on the High Seas Act, which provides compensation for families of workers who die more than three nautical miles from U.S. shores
• Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which extends federal protections to employees working on oil rigs and installations on the U.S. outer continental shelf
• Maintenance and Cure, which is a fundamental principle under general maritime law that requires employers to provide injured seamen with living expenses and medical treatment until they reach maximum medical improvement

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we combine extensive legal experience with personalized attention to help clients navigate the complexities of offshore injury law and pursue the maximum compensation they deserve.

Accidents That Fall Under Offshore Injury Laws

Working offshore is inherently dangerous, which is why it’s so important for workers to know which incidents are covered under offshore injury laws so they can protect their rights. Some common types of offshore accidents include:

• Equipment malfunctions or poorly maintained machinery
• Slips, trips, and falls on wet or unstable surfaces
• Explosions, fires, or blowouts on oil rigs or vessels
• Negligent supervision or unsafe work practices
• Hazardous weather conditions or emergency evacuations

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of offshore injury cases, and we know how to investigate each situation, identify all liable parties, and build a strong case to ensure clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Damages You Could Be Entitled To

Beyond the immediate medical bills, injured workers could struggle with lost income, long-term disability, and the emotional stress that comes with recovery. Luckily, offshore injury laws allow victims to pursue damages, and depending on your circumstances, you could be entitled to:

• Medical expenses, including coverage for treatment, rehabilitation, and future care
• Lost wages and earning capacity, including compensation for missed work or your reduced ability to earn
• Pain and suffering, including damages for physical and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and retraining, including costs associated with adapting to a new job or career
• Maintenance and cure, which includes living expenses and medical care for seamen under maritime law

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, our team of experienced Bossier City offshore injury attorneys works to identify every available avenue of compensation under federal and Louisiana law to maximize your recovery.

Hire an Offshore Injury Lawyer: Why Local Representation Matters

When you’re injured offshore, hiring a lawyer who truly understands the local legal landscape can make all the difference. At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, our local experience in Bossier means we’re familiar with the unique procedures and nuances of the Bossier Parish Courthouse, the Caddo Parish Courthouse, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.

This familiarity allows us to anticipate challenges, effectively communicate with judges and opposing counsel, and respond quickly to any changes in your case.

FAQs

Q: Can Offshore Injuries Impact My Eligibility for Disability Benefits?

A: Yes, offshore injuries can have an impact on your eligibility for disability benefits, like Social Security Disability or other state-based programs. However, injuries that affect mobility, cognitive ability, or other critical functions could qualify you for benefits. Our team can make sure your disability claim accurately reflects your reduced earning capacity and physical limitations.

Q: What Happens if Multiple Parties Share Fault for an Offshore Accident?

A: When more than one party is involved in causing an offshore accident, the claims process becomes a lot more complicated. Each responsible party, like the vessel owner, equipment manufacturer, or contractor, could have separate insurance policies, legal teams, and levels of liability. This means evidence must be gathered from multiple sources, and timelines for claims can vary.

Q: How Do Offshore Injury Cases Handle Incidents Caused by Subcontractors?

A: Third-party liability is an important component of many offshore injury cases. Injuries caused by subcontractors or other non-employer entities can be pursued through personal injury claims, in addition to workers’ compensation or maritime law benefits. Our team can investigate all potential liable parties, gather evidence, and negotiate settlements or litigate claims to make sure every avenue for compensation is explored.

Q: Can Offshore Injuries Affect Family Members Financially, Even if the Worker Survives?

A: Yes, offshore injuries can affect family members financially even if the worker survives. This is because suffering an offshore injury can have a ripple effect, reducing the household income, increasing medical costs, and creating long-term dependency on other family members. Luckily, compensation in offshore injury cases often considers these economic hardships.

Take Action Today

If you or a loved one has been injured offshore, it’s important to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, our team can handle every aspect of your case. We understand the complexities of offshore injury laws, and we’re dedicated to guiding you through the process.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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