Metairie Louisiana Legal Blog

Working on the vessels that navigate the country's waters from here in Louisiana can provide one with a unique work experience that he or she may never get anywhere else. However, that does not mean that workers do not have anything in common with people who work on land. The back injuries they suffer, for instance, probably end up happening in the same way as on land and are just as debilitating.

If a worker's job on a navigable vessel involves lifting objects and otherwise handling any materials that require the use of his or her back, that worker could end up suffering a back injury. Moreover, many of the duties vessel workers perform are repetitive, and if they involve the use of the back, workers may find themselves going home at the end of the day with a backache that never seems to go away. Musculoskeletal injuries happen far more often than anyone realizes since many people simply accept their back pain as part of the job.

Offshore explosions, catastrophic equipment failures and other high-profile incidents often receive the most attention from the media here in Louisiana and elsewhere. In these instances, people envision an appropriately dramatic response, including medivac helicopters, to handle the evacuation of the injured. While that may occur sometimes, one company who provides medical services for those on oil rigs says it is not always necessary, and in some cases, causes more harm than good. 

Companies who employ Louisiana residents to work on their oil rigs are responsible for making sure adequate medical care is available when needed. Many of the injuries suffered by oil rig workers do not require evacuation from the rig. Instead, what they often need is on-site care and observation. If necessary, a helicopter can be called in to remove a patient from the rig.

Unfortunately, court can be unavoidable for some applying for a claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Some employers and insurance companies try to come up with arguments and loopholes to prevent Louisiana maritime workers from getting the coverage they deserve for their injuries.

While it is possible to go alone and face off against your employers, you do not have to. The United States Department of Labor advises injured or disabled workers to talk to an attorney for assistance in settling their case. Some may refuse to avoid potential attorney fees, they are missing out on several benefits that come from getting a lawyer’s help.

Unfortunately, getting benefits from the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is not always an easy task. There are numerous varying factors that could impact how much compensation you would get out of it such as the conditions of your injury and your employer’s response to your plea.

As a Louisiana maritime worker, it is important for you to understand some of the factors that could evolve your injury report into a court case so you can begin properly preparing for the trial.