Lafayette Maritime Lawyer

Lafayette Maritime Attorney

When the ocean is your workplace, the risks are unlike any other industry on Earth. That’s why if you’ve been injured while working in the maritime industry, it’s important to speak to an experienced Lafayette maritime lawyer.

At Sanchez Burke, LLC, our offshore injury attorney understands the dangers of the industry—long hours, remote locations, unpredictable weather, and the constant threat of catastrophic injury. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that your case is approached with both precision and clarity so that we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Fighting for the Rights of Maritime and Offshore Workers

Lafayette plays a key role in Louisiana’s offshore support industry, connecting hundreds of workers to oil rigs and transport vessels in the Gulf. Over 400,000 U.S. workers trust their safety to the hands of employers, rig owners, and vessel operators. However, when that trust is broken because of unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, or reckless decisions, it’s no wonder that the maritime industry experiences work-related fatality rates that are 40 times higher than those of the average U.S. worker, with 42.6% of all severe injuries resulting in amputation or inpatient hospitalization.

That’s where Sanchez Burke, LLC, steps in. Our Lafayette maritime lawyers know how maritime laws affect injured seamen, oil rig workers, longshoremen, and others involved in the maritime industry.

Our experienced offshore injury attorneys can evaluate the circumstances of your accident and help you pursue compensation through the appropriate legal channels, whether your case falls under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or general maritime law.

Common Offshore Injury Cases We Handle

Offshore work is physically demanding and often takes place in unpredictable, hazardous environments, and when safety measures fail—or companies cut corners—that’s when serious injuries can happen. At Sanchez Burke, LLC, our offshore injury attorneys have seen a wide range of incidents, including:

• Slip and falls on wet decks
• Fires and explosions on oil rigs
• Falls from heights on derricks or platforms
• Heavy equipment accidents and crane failures
• Faulty maintenance on vessels and barges
• Toxic exposure to chemicals or fumes
• Injuries caused by understaffing or fatigue

Each injury tells a story, one that involves human lives, not just workplace protocols. Whether your accident happened during routine operations or in a high-pressure emergency, a Lafayette maritime lawyer from Sanchez Burke, LLC, is here to help you reclaim stability and seek the compensation you deserve.

To What Compensation Could You Be Entitled: Your Life After an Offshore Injury

The aftermath of a maritime accident isn’t just physical—it’s financial, emotional, and deeply personal. That’s because you’re not just fighting for compensation—you’re fighting to reclaim your stability, your dignity, and your future.

An offshore injury attorney from Sanchez Burke, LLC, can pursue financial recovery tailored to what you’ve lost and what you need in order to rebuild your life. Depending on the circumstances, your claim may include:

• Lost future earnings due to an inability to return to your line of work
• Pain and suffering for both physical and emotional hardship
• Medical expenses, including surgeries, rehab, and long-term treatment
• Vocational rehabilitation if a career change becomes necessary
• Disability and disfigurement, which often impact quality of life and independence
• Maintenance and cure, the maritime law obligation for your employer to cover daily living and medical care while you recover

Whether your accident happened near Louisiana’s coastline, on a deep-sea platform, or during a transfer between vessels, the team at Sanchez Burke, LLC, is prepared to help you seek what you’re rightfully owed and chart a new course forward.

Why a Local Lawyer Matters in Maritime Cases

The maritime industry is a major economic force in Louisiana, especially here in Lafayette. That’s why hiring a local attorney who knows the community, the companies involved, and the local courts can make a real difference. Our team at Sanchez Burke, LLC, has years of experience representing maritime workers in both federal and state jurisdictions.

We’ve handled cases in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana and the 15th Judicial District Court of Lafayette Parish. Knowing the judges, court clerks, and local procedures helps us tailor your case to their preferences and anticipate challenges with efficiency.

Beyond the courtroom, we understand the culture of the maritime industry. Our clients aren’t just names on paper—they’re neighbors, friends, and family members working to provide for loved ones in a dangerous industry. When you hire a Lafayette maritime lawyer from our firm, you get someone who’s rooted in your world, not just reading about it in legal textbooks.

FAQs

Q: How Does the Jones Act Differ From Typical Workers’ Compensation?

A: The Jones Act differs from typical workers’ compensation by giving injured seamen the right to file claims against their employer for negligence. This right can result in compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers. Unlike standard workers’ comp, it allows claims for pain and suffering, lost future earnings, and punitive damages if negligence is proven.

Q: What’s the Difference Between “Maintenance and Cure” and Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

A: The difference between maintenance and cure and workers’ compensation lies in restrictive caps. It’s a maritime employer’s obligation to provide injured seamen with living expenses and medical care until they reach maximum medical recovery. Workers’ compensation, on the other hand, employs strict caps and restrictions that can limit how much compensation you can recover.

Q: Are Injuries on Inland Waterways Like the Mississippi River Covered by Maritime Law?

A: Yes, injuries on inland waterways like the Mississippi River are covered by maritime law, as maritime law also applies to injuries sustained on navigable inland waterways. Workers injured while performing maritime-related duties on these waterways can pursue claims under maritime statutes, provided their work directly relates to the function of a vessel or maritime commerce.

Q: How Do Courts Determine if a Worker Qualifies as a Seaman Under the Jones Act?

A: To determine if a worker qualified as a seaman under the Jones Act, courts look at the worker’s connection to the vessel and the nature of their duties. To be considered a seaman, a worker typically must spend a significant part of their time on a vessel while performing work that contributes to its function or mission.

Reach Out to an Offshore Injury Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, you need someone with the experience to advocate for your rights. That’s why a Lafayette maritime lawyer from Sanchez Burke, LLC, can help level the playing field. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.