A maritime lawyer can help you if you were injured as an employee in the maritime industry or were injured in a recreational maritime accident. They can review your case and help you file a claim. Maritime laws can be incredibly complex, and a maritime attorney understands the state and federal regulations and how they apply to your case. This knowledge can improve the likelihood of a potential claim succeeding. An attorney can also help maximize the compensation you recover.
Call (225) 928-8800
Metairie Maritime Accident Lawyer
Maritime Accident Attorney In Metairie, LA
Shipyards, offshore rigs, vessels, and other maritime worksites are a driving force in the Louisiana economy, aiding transportation and energy sectors. There is a range of serious hazards in maritime workplaces, ranging from slip-and-fall hazards and transportation accidents to explosions and chemical exposure. If you were injured while working in the maritime industry, a skilled Metairie maritime accident lawyer could help you file a claim.
A maritime accident claim can recover important financial losses like the cost of medical treatment and a portion of the income you couldn’t earn. Certain claims can recover more damages, including pain and suffering, which is not usually available in workers’ compensation claims.
Work With a Dedicated Maritime Accident Attorney
Murphy Law Firm can help you file a claim in Metairie for your maritime accident. For the past 30 years, our firm has fought for the rights of those in our communities, including those hurt by the negligence of their employers in the maritime industry. We know how dangerous corner-cutting can be at these worksites, and we fight to hold employers accountable.
Maritime cases are uniquely complex because of laws like the Jones Act. These federal laws provide additional support for maritime employees, but it can be difficult to secure those benefits, especially if you are unaware of them. Our personal injury lawyer team understands these laws and can help you get the most benefits from your claim.
The Maritime Industry and Metairie
Metairie is entrenched in the maritime industry in Louisiana. Downtown Metairie is about seven miles from the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), which is a primary driver of maritime employment in the area. About 8,880 jobs and $609 million in wages are directly created by Port NOLA.
Maritime employees face a higher risk of injury, illness, and fatality compared to other employees.
- There were 173 severe injury reports in Louisiana in 2024, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), many of which occurred in New Orleans. At least one of the severe injuries reported to OSHA that year occurred in a New Orleans shipyard.
- In 2023, there were five fatal injuries to water transportation workers in the state, including three employed as sailors and marine oilers, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LAWorks). The primary cause for the fatal injuries reported by LAWorks was exposure to harmful substances or environments.
When maritime employees are injured, it is crucial that they hire a maritime accident lawyer to protect their interests, whether they are filing a workers’ compensation or civil personal injury claim.
The Jones Act and Maritime Employee Rights
Maritime accident laws like the Jones Act give employees in the industry benefits. This includes:
- Maintenance and cure. Certain maritime employees have additional benefits under the Jones Act not usually available in workers’ compensation claims. Maintenance and cure benefits are similar to other workers’ compensation claims but cover the unique needs of maritime employees, including living expenses. These benefits are available regardless of the cause of the injury in the workplace.
- Civil claims. Maritime employees may be eligible for a civil claim if their injury was caused by their employer’s negligence or because of the vessel’s unseaworthiness. A civil claim offers benefits not available in a workers’ compensation claim, including the potential for full recovered wages and non-economic damages like pain and suffering and mental anguish. These damages can significantly increase the overall value of your claim.
An attorney can help you recover these benefits and determine if you have the grounds for a civil claim. Serious injuries, such as brain injuries, often raise the stakes in these cases, making legal support essential.
Who Is a Qualified Maritime Employee?
The Jones Act protects seamen. In order to be legally considered a seaman and be able to recover the benefits of the Jones Act and other federal maritime legal protections, you must meet the following requirements:
- You have contributed to the operation of a vessel through navigation.
- You have an employment connection to the vessel for a substantial amount of time and of a significant nature.
If you are temporarily or sporadically employed, or your work did not expose you to the typical hazards of seamen’s work, you likely will not qualify. An experienced attorney can help you determine if you can file for Jones Act benefits or benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Your Metairie, LA attorney can also determine what other options you have after an injury.
Meet Our Attorney
Peyton Murphy
Peyton Murphy, a Louisiana lawyer with 30+ years of experience, specializes in personal injury cases. He founded Murphy Law Firm in Baton Rouge in 1993 and fights for his clients’ compensation.
FAQs
How Long After a Maritime Accident Can You Sue in Louisiana?
After a maritime accident, you have a short amount of time to file a claim in Louisiana, so it’s crucial that you act fast. Workers’ compensation claims have an even shorter statute of limitations compared to personal injury claims, and employees must report an accident immediately. After a workplace accident, report your injury to ensure it is documented. Then, get medical treatment and an attorney. If you believe you have the grounds for a civil claim, also get an attorney.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Offshore Accident Lawyer?
After an offshore accident, you will likely be working with a workers’ compensation or personal injury attorney, and both tend to charge on a contingency fee basis. This means that if the claim is successful, the attorney’s fees are a percentage of the final settlement or verdict that you are awarded for your injuries. The exact percentage ranges, depending on the attorney’s experience and other factors. There is a statutory limit in Louisiana for a workers’ compensation fee.
Do Maritime Lawyers Go to Court?
Yes, a maritime lawyer could represent you in court after an injury. A maritime workplace injury case can proceed to court for qualifying employees if an employer was negligent. Both workers’ compensation and personal injury cases can also proceed to court if a reasonable settlement can’t be reached in negotiations. Your attorney can fight for your interests during trial, advise you on what to expect, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Find a Skilled Metairie Maritime Accident Attorney
Contact Murphy Law Firm today if you have been injured in a maritime accident.
Your Path to Legal Resolution Starts with Murphy Law Firm.
When you choose Murphy Law Firm, you gain access to a team of experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success. We understand the importance of trust, and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional results.
Call For A Consultation
Case Results
Don't Settle
For Pennies!
Copyright © 2025 Murphy Law Firm. All Rights Reserved.
Digital Marketing By: 