Louisiana Jones Act Claims

Louisiana has the distinct honor of being bordered on the east by the Mississippi River and on the south by the Gulf of Mexico. These two great bodies of water allow for innumerable jobs in the fishing industry. Crawfish, lobster, crab, and many other varieties of marine life can all be found in and around the region. With so much fishing to do, it is no wonder that Louisiana waterway workers see their fair share of accidents. Whether an injury is caused by Mother Nature or a ship in disrepair, the Jones Act was developed to help injured workers pick up the pieces. Regular worker's compensation laws do not always apply to the maritime worker, so the Jones Act has been implemented to reveal each and every worker's rights. From Lake Pontchartrain to the Sabine River, Louisiana fishermen and other marine employees have utilized the rights given to them by the Jones Act.

When filing a Jones Act claim it is imperative to acquire the services of a qualified and experienced attorney. Just By calling 1 800 Jones Act injured seamen can solidify representation by a knowledgeable lawyer. The Jones Act requires that an attorney pay close attention to every detail. Unfortunately, most law firms simply do not have the resources and time to learn every facet of the Jones Act. However, The Ogletree Abbott Law Firm has a dedicated staff that has virtually memorized every nook and cranny of the Jones Act. Clients can rest assured knowing that their claim is being handled by the most competent, skilled Jones Act attorneys in the state.

It is important that workers know their rights. For example, the Jones Act specifies that the statute of limitations expires three years after a maritime injury or death. So, if a crab fisherman in Breton Sound sustained an arm injury four years ago that has suddenly been exacerbated, the worker would be unable to file a claim. However, if the same employee would have filed a claim through the attorneys at The Ogletree Abbott Law Firm from the onset, he would be eligible for financial compensation. However, if action is not taken within three years of injury, then that fisherman could be unable to work and not have any income to maintain his standard of living.

Sadly, there are instances where waterway workers lose their lives onboard. Without the Jones Act, many families would be at a loss to pay for funeral expenses, pay off outstanding bills, and simply continue to live in the family home. Nevertheless, the Jones Act enables those families file a claim to seek compensation for lost wages and meet other financial demands. The Ogletree Abbott Law Firm can assist with any claim where a family is struggling to make ends meet after the death of their maritime-employed family member. Just one phone call to 1800JonesAct can ease the burden and help a family restore some sense of normalcy to their grief-stricken lives.