The Jones Act is a federal law that gives injured seamen the right to sue their employer for negligence. If you qualify as a seaman — meaning you spend a significant portion of your time working on a vessel in navigation — you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Jones Act claims carry a three-year statute of limitations and require proof of employer negligence. Our attorneys know how to build a powerful Jones Act case on your behalf.

Under general maritime law, vessel owners have an absolute duty to maintain a seaworthy vessel — one that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose with a competent crew and safe equipment. When a vessel is deemed unseaworthy and a seaman is injured as a result, the vessel owner may be held liable regardless of whether they were negligent. Our attorneys evaluate every angle of your claim to maximize your recovery.

Regardless of fault, injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure from their employer — a daily living allowance (maintenance) and payment of medical expenses (cure) until they reach maximum medical improvement. When employers fail to pay maintenance and cure promptly or attempt to terminate it prematurely, they may be liable for additional damages including attorney’s fees. We fight to make sure you receive every dollar you are owed.

Workers who do not qualify as seamen — such as dock workers, shipbuilders, and other maritime workers — may be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. The LHWCA provides compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, and in some cases allows injured workers to pursue third-party negligence claims against vessel owners or equipment manufacturers. Our attorneys help you understand your rights and pursue every available avenue of recovery.

The OCSLA governs injuries that occur on fixed platforms and other structures located on the Outer Continental Shelf — the offshore oil and gas production areas beyond state waters. Workers injured on these structures may have rights under both the OCSLA and state workers’ compensation law. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating the complex interplay between these statutes to maximize your recovery.

Oil platforms and drilling rigs are among the most dangerous workplaces in Louisiana. Falls from heights, explosions, fires, equipment failures, and chemical exposures are all common causes of serious injury in this environment. When an accident results from an employer’s negligence, unsafe equipment, or inadequate safety protocols, our attorneys pursue full compensation for every loss you have suffered.

Collisions, capsizings, and other vessel accidents on Louisiana’s waterways and in the Gulf of Mexico can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Depending on where the accident occurred and the nature of your employment, your rights may be governed by the Jones Act, general maritime law, or state law. Our attorneys evaluate the facts of your case carefully to identify every available claim.

Cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery are a constant presence on offshore platforms and marine vessels — and a frequent source of serious injury. Operator error, equipment defects, improper maintenance, and inadequate training all contribute to these accidents. Our attorneys pursue claims against employers, equipment manufacturers, and maintenance contractors to ensure you are fully compensated.

Offshore workers are routinely exposed to hazardous chemicals, toxic fumes, and carcinogenic substances including benzene and hydrogen sulfide. Long-term exposure can cause serious illnesses including cancer, respiratory disease, and neurological damage. Our attorneys handle toxic exposure and occupational illness claims and work with medical experts to document the full extent of your health-related losses.

When an offshore worker loses their life due to the negligence of an employer, vessel owner, or equipment manufacturer, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death or Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) claim. These claims can provide compensation for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. Our attorneys handle these sensitive cases with care and fight to hold every responsible party accountable.

Deadlines vary depending on which law applies to your case. Jones Act claims must be filed within three years of the injury. General maritime law unseaworthiness claims also carry a three-year deadline. However, some claims — including those against the government or under certain statutes — have much shorter deadlines. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury to protect your rights.

To qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, you generally must spend a significant portion of your work time — courts typically look at 30% or more — aboard a vessel or fleet of vessels in navigation, and your work must contribute to the function or mission of the vessel. If you work on a fixed platform, you may be covered under the OCSLA or LHWCA instead. Our attorneys evaluate your specific work situation to determine which laws apply and which claims are available to you.

Maintenance and cure is a right available to injured seamen under general maritime law, regardless of fault. Maintenance is a daily stipend to cover living expenses while you are unable to work. Cure is your employer’s obligation to pay for medical treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement. If your employer is withholding or delaying maintenance and cure, contact us immediately — failure to pay can result in additional penalties against your employer.

Standard state workers’ compensation does not apply to most offshore workers. Depending on your job and work location, you may have significantly broader rights under the Jones Act, general maritime law, or the LHWCA — rights that can result in much greater compensation than a standard workers’ comp claim. Do not assume workers’ compensation is your only option. Contact our attorneys before accepting any offer or signing any documents.

Nothing upfront. Our offshore injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

Offshore injury cases can be complex and may take longer to resolve than standard personal injury claims due to the specialized laws involved, multiple potential defendants, and the severity of injuries that often result. Learn more about the timeline of a personal injury case. We keep you informed at every step and never pressure you to settle before you are ready.

Federal maritime law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who file Jones Act or other maritime injury claims. If you have experienced retaliation — such as termination, demotion, or harassment — after reporting an injury or filing a claim, contact our attorneys immediately. You may have additional claims against your employer for unlawful retaliation.

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately and insist on a written incident report. Seek medical attention right away — even if you feel okay, some injuries worsen over time. Document the scene with photos if possible and get the names of any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to your employer’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies are trained to use your own words against you. Contact Mansfield Melancon as soon as possible so we can protect your rights from day one.