Maritime Injury and Offshore Accident Lawyer in Covington, LA
Covington, LA maritime lawyer Tammy Karas Griggs represents maritime workers in Covington, LA, and Mandeville, LA area in every area of offshore injury. Unfortunately, offshore injury is not uncommon, and can leave those affected unable to work, without wage, and wondering how they will support their loved ones while recovering. Tammy Karas Griggs will aggressively fight for you in your case to get you the damages and compensation you deserve – contact our firm today.
Maritime Worker Injury Basics
Maritime workers fall into two categories: seamen and someone who works on navigable waters or on docks and piers. In the event an injury occurs while working on the vessels, seamen are entitled to compensation under the federal “Jones Act”, while a member of the second group receives compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act.
Injury Compensation Under the Jones Act
In order for injured seamen to claim compensation under the Jones Act, they must be able to prove that the suffering that occurred as a result of negligence on the part of the employers – officers and other seamen, or that the vessel was in a condition that was endangering employed workers (unseaworthy). If any of the blame rests on the injured seamen while employed on the vessel, the Jones Act compensation recovery may be reduced.
Even without showing either negligence or unseaworthiness, the seaman is entitled to be compensated during the period of recovery, in the form of:
- Maintenance-payment of the seaman’s living expenses during recovery.
- Cure-payment of the medical cost of recovery from the incident.
Due to the unique legal system in Louisiana, it’s important that you hire an experienced maritime lawyer who can take a proactive approach to find the facts related to your case and conduct interviews with all parties to create a comprehensive case that is most advantageous for you.
The U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act
The United States Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (USL&H) is a federal worker’s compensation law that compensates workers on piers, docks, and other warehouses involved in accidents. A benefit of the USL&H is that they tend to offer higher compensation than state worker’s compensation, which is why most workers prefer to file their claim under the USL&H. In order for a claim to be processed under the USL&H, you need to provide medical records indicating the date of the accident and have been disabled for the entire period due to your injury. In this process, each side will conduct an investigation for documentation and testimony to justify their claim. You need an experienced maritime lawyer to work with you during the investigation and ensure that proper protocols are being followed and all information and testimonies are accurate to ensure you get max compensation for your claim.
Offshore Covington Lawyer: Tammy Karas Griggs Attorney At Law
An offshore injury can present a very financially draining time for you and your family. Let our attorney at Tammy Karas Griggs Attorney At Law fight your battle so you can rest, and focus on your own recovery. Contact Tammy Karas Griggs Attorney At Law for a consultation today or call (985) CUSTODY.
Serving clients in the communities of Washington Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and Jefferson Parish including Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, Ponchatoula, Madisonville, Metairie, Hammond, Kenner, Livingston, and more!