Cameron Parish Tug Boat Accident Lawyer

Cameron Parish Tug Boat Accident Attorney

Tug boat accidents can leave lasting damage. Employers rush to protect themselves, not their employees. Don’t let anyone bully you into silence. You have rights under the law. A Cameron Parish tug boat accident lawyer can give you justice when things go wrong.

Skilled Tug Boat and Maritime Accident Attorneys in Cameron Parish

For decades, Sanchez Burke, LLC, has represented Louisianans in complex civil litigation. Since 1984, we’ve developed a reputation built on hard work. We bring a unique strength to tugboat accident cases. Our personal injury attorneys are leaders both at LSU Law and in the legal community of the Lake Charles area.

Common Causes of Tug Boat Injuries

Tug boat accidents can happen for many reasons. Below are some of the more common triggers seen in boat accident cases:

• Poor maintenance. Many accidents happen when vital systems fail due to neglect. Owners have a duty to keep vessels seaworthy.
• Lack of training. Crew members who don’t know proper safety procedures can cause accidents. Inexperienced hands increase the risk of injury for everyone onboard.
• Slippery decks. Water or other liquids can make surfaces dangerous. These spills should be cleaned right away. If it’s not possible to clean, they should be clearly marked.
• Heavy machinery failure. Tugboats have lots of machinery, like winches and towlines. Faulty equipment can result in crushing injuries. It can also result in falls overboard if they are not properly secured.
• Fatigue. Long shifts with little rest lower reaction time. Tired workers make mistakes that lead to injuries or death.

Even in a parish where 21.1% of residents are age 65 or older, working conditions on a tug boat demand constant attention.

How the Jones Act Protects Tug Boat Workers

The Jones Act gives injured tug boat workers the right to file a claim against their employer. If your injury happened because of negligence, you may qualify for damages under this federal law. There is also another form of claim that does not require the seaman to prove negligence.

Unlike workers’ compensation, the Jones Act lets you seek something called maintenance and cure. These are expenses related to daily living and medical costs. If you are able to prove negligence, you might be able to recover more.

The Jones Act only applies to workers considered “seamen”. That usually includes crew members assigned to a vessel in operation. If you spend most of your time working on a tug boat, you likely qualify.

Filing a Claim

Filing a claim under the Jones Act can give you access to funding for long-term rehab costs. It can also help with disability if you can’t return to work. Consider discussing the facts with a Cameron Parish tub boat injury attorney. They know how these claims work.

How a Cameron Parish Tug Boat Accident Attorney Can Help You

A local attorney understands the working conditions unique to Cameron Parish. 4,678 people lived in the parish as of 2024. This means it’s often easier for local teams to access records and witnesses.

Your attorney can help calculate damages. They can also review evidence like employer safety practices. They’ll also help determine if your case qualifies under the Jones Act. Sometimes another federal statute applies. Legal help is about giving you room to recover without handling all the stress alone.

When Should You Hire a Boat Accident Lawyer?

A good time to hire a boat accident lawyer is right after the accident. Delays can hurt your case. Physical evidence can disappear. Witnesses may move or forget details.

Many victims don’t realize their injury qualifies as a maritime claim. If you were hurt on the job while working near water, you may be covered.

A maritime injury lawyer will help you figure out what kind of claim to file. A personal injury claim is different from a maritime injury claim. They’ll also make sure you meet filing headlines. This is more important when dealing with large employers.

Why Choose Us?

Tug boat accident cases require knowledge of maritime law. You need someone who knows how to get results. At Sanchez Burke, LLC, we have been recognized for decades of service to the people of Louisiana. You deserve a law firm that shows up for you in and out of court.

FAQs

Q: What Should You Do Immediately After a Tug Boat Accident in Cameron Parish?

A: Immediately after a tug boat accident in Cameron Parish, your first step is to get medical help. Internal trauma can be hard to spot right away. You’ll also need that medical record later if you file a claim. Cameron Parish’s population has dropped 16.8% since 2020. That means fewer witnesses might be available. It’s wise to act fast.

Q: Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Tug Boat Injury?

A: Who can be held responsible for a tug boat injury depends on the case. Tug boat injuries often involve more than one liable party. The boat owner might be responsible if they failed to maintain the vessel. Your employer could be held accountable if they didn’t provide a safe work environment. A Cameron Parish maritime injury lawyer can help sort through liability.

Q: Can You File a Claim if Your Loved One Died in a Tug Boat Accident?

A: You can file a claim if your loved one died in a tug boat accident. You might have legal rights under maritime law. These cases can involve lost income and funeral expenses. You may also be able to seek compensation for the emotional toll of the loss. You don’t have to accept the first settlement you’re offered.

Q: What Makes Tug Boat Injury Claims Different From Other Maritime Claims?

A: What makes tug boat injury claims different from other maritime claims is the nature of tug boats. Unlike barges, tug boats sail through tight waterways. They face constant risks from weather and shifting cargo. Most tug boat cases fall under the Jones Act. You may have to prove different elements to make the case successful.

We Know How to Help

Your recovery should come before anything else. Getting the right help makes that possible. Get ahead of your employer by acting fast. Schedule a consultation with Sanchez Burke, LLC, if you have questions after a tug boat accident in Cameron Parish.