Maritime/Offshore Injury

The Louisiana-based law firm of St. Martin and Bourque has been fighting for the rights of injured offshore workers and other maritime employees along the Gulf Coast for more than four decades. Our team of attorneys has prosecuted hundreds of claims involving injuries to crewmembers, passengers and longshoremen.  These injuries may occur on vessels, jack-up rigs and offshore platforms. In such cases, we have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients and their families.

Specifically, we’ve worked with clients and their families seeking recovery under the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.

• Do you have a claim under the Jones Act?
  
  If you or a family member was injured while employed on a vessel at sea due to negligence or the lack of seaworthiness of a vessel, you may have a Jones Act claim. You or your family member may be entitled to damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
  
  

• Do you have a claim under the Death on the High Seas Act?
  
  If your loved one was killed in international waters due to negligence or the lack of seaworthiness of a vessel, you may have a Death on the High Seas Act claim. You may be entitled to damages, including lost wages, childcare costs, funeral expenses and pre-death pain and suffering.
  
  

• Do you have a claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
  
  If you or a family member was injured while working on a vessel, including while loading, unloading, repairing or building, you may have a claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. You or your family member may be entitled to damages.
  

Our expertise is recognized throughout the legal community – St. Martin & Bourque is often asked to assist other firms in maritime and offshore cases that are especially complex.

These complex cases require an individual and comprehensive approach. Based on our experience and history, we approach each case as a team. Because of our broad and personal experience along the Gulf Coast, we are profoundly aware of the impact serious accidents can have on the lives of the injured and their families. With this in mind, we work tirelessly to prepare each case. Details are meticulously investigated and technical, medical and other experts are consulted to assure the best outcomes for our clients.

One thing we find when assisting injured crewmembers is that they have given recorded statements regarding the accident prior to speaking with an attorney or have signed paperwork releasing certain rights without the advice of a lawyer. We sincerely advise you against this and urge you to contact us prior to giving any type of statement regarding your accident or injuries or before agreeing to any type of settlement or other limitation on your rights.

From the very beginning, taking the right steps to assert your claim is important. If you would like to discuss the most effective way to protect your rights, please contact a member of the St Martin & Bourque team today.