Maritime Admiralty Claims

Admiralty and maritime claims are special types of claims involving workers who are injured offshore. 

What is a Jones Act Claim?

Unlike land-based workers, offshore workers who qualify as “seaman” may be able to file a lawsuit against the seaman’s employer for injuries the seaman sustained in an accident aboard a vessel, when the accident was caused by the negligence of the employer or a seaman’s co-worker.  The seaman may also be entitled to maintenance and cure, which is a form of workers’ compensation under the Jones Act.  Maintenance is money paid to cover daily living expenses for each day that the seaman is unable to work while cure is the employer’s obligation to pay for the seaman’s medical bills until he or she has reached maximum medical improvement.

Unseaworthness?

The unseaworthiness doctrine is another cause of action available to seamen who are injured aboard a vessel.  It allows a seaman to assert a claim for damages against the vessel owner, who is sometimes different than the seaman’s employer, if the seaman’s injuries were caused by the unseaworthiness of the vessel on which they served.  The shipowner owes an absolute, non-delegable duty to the seaman to furnish a seaworthy vessel.

How much is my case worth?

No case is the same.  The value of your case depends on multiple factors, including who was at fault in causing the accident, the severity of the injuries you sustained in the accident, the treatment that you receive for these injuries, and the amount of time that it takes you to recover from these injuries.  The attorneys at Luneau & Beck, LLC are experienced in handling admiralty and maritime claims.  We are familiar with tricks employed by offshore employers, vessel owners, and their insurance companies and are prepared to recover your damages, including your medical expenses and lost wages as well as getting you compensation for your pain-and-suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. 

How much does Luneau & Beck, LLC charge?

The attorneys at Luneau & Beck, LLC work on a contingent basis.  This means that our clients do not owe us anything unless we obtain a financial recovery on their behalf.  While many cases settle without going to trial, the attorneys at Luneau & Beck, LLC have experience going to trial in city, state, and federal courts, before both judges and juries.  While a settlement may be your desired outcome, sometimes insurance companies refuse to settle cases.  When this happens, the attorneys at Luneau & Beck, LLC have the expertise to stand up to offshore employers, vessel owners, and their insurance companies and to present your case in the best possible light to get you the compensation that you deserve.

If you have been involved in an offshore accident, request a free consultation with an attorney at Luneau & Beck, LLC.