Were you injured in a maritime accident in New Orleans, Louisiana? When maritime accidents happen, the injuries are often severe, and the consequences can be life-changing.
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to stand up for seamen, longshoremen, and offshore workers. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience, with tens of millions recovered for our clients. Our New Orleans maritime accident lawyers can help you recover the money you need for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Contact our law office today at (504) 294-3804 to schedule a free consultation. We handle all maritime cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we win for you.
Why Choose Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers After a Maritime Accident in New Orleans?
Maritime law is not like other areas of personal injury law. It involves a complex web of federal statutes, niche doctrines, and international treaties, and few law firms have the experience and resources to navigate these waters effectively.
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we do. Our New Orleans personal injury lawyers have earned a reputation for aggressive advocacy and client-focused service.
What sets us apart:
- 50+ years of combined experience in maritime and personal injury law
- Tens of millions recovered in verdicts and settlements
- Extensive knowledge of the Jones Act, LHWCA, and general maritime claims
- Personalized attention from a local team familiar with New Orleans, LA, ports and offshore industry practices
When the stakes are high, you deserve lawyers who know the waters inside and out. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a New Orleans maritime accident attorney.
What Is Maritime Law and How Does It Apply to You?
Maritime law, often referred to as “admiralty law,” applies to injuries that happen on or near navigable waters, including rivers, lakes, bays, and the open sea. These laws protect workers in some of the most dangerous industries in Louisiana, such as offshore drilling, shipping, fishing, and dock operations.
Here are some key maritime laws that may apply in your case:
- The Jones Act: Allows qualified “seamen” to sue their employers for negligence. If your employer failed to provide a safe working environment, you may be entitled to damages.
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): Covers longshoremen, dockworkers, and others who work on or near the water but aren’t classified as seamen.
- Maintenance and Cure: A no-fault benefit that provides injured seamen with daily living expenses and medical treatment until they reach maximum medical improvement.
- The Unseaworthiness Doctrine: Holds vessel owners liable if their ship or equipment was unsafe or unfit for the job.
- The Death on the High Seas Act: Applies to wrongful death claims involving fatalities occurring more than three nautical miles from shore.
Our New Orleans maritime accident lawyers will evaluate your situation and identify every law that applies to your case. Reach out today to learn more about your legal rights.
Common Maritime Accidents in New Orleans
New Orleans is a hub for maritime activity. Whether you work along the Mississippi River, at the Port of New Orleans, or offshore in the Gulf, the risk of injury is always present.
We routinely handle cases involving:
- Slips, trips, and falls on slick or unstable decks
- Injuries from malfunctioning cranes, winches, or loading equipment
- Fires and explosions aboard vessels or oil platforms
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, including solvents, fuel, or asbestos
- Falls overboard due to a lack of safety rails or defective gear
- Collisions involving barges, tugboats, or cargo ships
- Back injuries, crush injuries, and repetitive stress trauma
If you suffered these or other catastrophic injuries, you have rights. You may be entitled to compensation for all losses related to your accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a New Orleans Maritime Accident?
The value of your claim depends on a number of factors: your job classification, how and where the accident happened, and which laws apply.
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Maintenance and cure benefits (for injured seamen)
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)
Our legal team will work with experts to assess the full extent of your losses and fight for every dollar you deserve, whether negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial.
How Long Do You Have to File a Maritime Injury Claim?
Most maritime injury claims under federal law must be filed within three years of the date of the accident. However, certain laws, such as the LHWCA or wrongful death statutes, may have shorter deadlines. In some cases, you may also need to notify your employer or file administrative forms within a matter of weeks.
Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Let us help you protect your rights while there’s still time.
Contact Our New Orleans Maritime Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, you need experienced legal guidance. At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to stand up for New Orleans workers who keep our ports moving and our energy industry running.
We’ll take the time to understand your story, explain your legal options, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Call today for your free consultation with a New Orleans maritime accident attorney. We’re ready when you are.