Kentucky Maritime Injury Lawyer
Holding Third Parties Responsible for Negligence
Navigating on-the-job injuries and workers’ compensation claims can be overwhelming, but if you’re injured as a river worker, your claim falls under a completely different set of laws that can be even more challenging to understand. Accidents on the water, such as on lakes and at sea, are regulated by maritime laws and thus require workers to file claims that are separate from typical workers’ compensation claims.
Katz Law has recovered millions for clients who have been injured by negligence, including river and maritime employees. If your injuries were caused by a third party and not your employer, you may be able to seek financial compensation through a maritime tort claim. Our Paducah maritime injury attorneys can help you understand your options and work towards your goals when you call.
Contact us online or by phone at (270) 778-5110 to meet with a law firm that has years of experience advocating for those injured on the water and while at work.
Going Beyond Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Claims
The federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a law designed to compensate maritime workers for any injuries they suffer while working and is a no-fault system, meaning that workers can recover damages regardless of who caused the accident. However, one stipulation is that once you file your claim and are compensated, you can’t sue your employer for additional compensation.
If, however, your accident is proven to be caused by a third party, you can pursue a civil lawsuit, or a maritime injury claim, which allows workers to secure additional compensation that often goes above and beyond what workers can get in a longshore and harbor workers’ compensation claim.
Types Of Maritime Injuries And How To Handle Them
If you are working in the maritime industry, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with maritime jobs. In the unfortunate event of an injury, our Kentucky maritime injury lawyer can help guide you through the legal process to help you receive the compensation you deserve. At Katz Law, our team understands the specific needs of maritime workers, and we have the experience to help with all types of maritime injury cases.
Slips, Trips, And Falls
One of the most common injuries in the maritime industry involves slips, trips, and falls. The wet, slippery surfaces on ships and oil rigs increase the likelihood of workers losing their balance and sustaining injuries. These injuries can range from minor sprains to more serious injuries like broken bones or head trauma.
What to do: If you’ve been injured in a slip or fall, it’s important to document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible. Take pictures of the area, noting any hazards such as wet floors or equipment left out. Our seaman injury lawyer can help you understand whether your employer is liable for maintaining a safe work environment and assist you in pursuing a claim after an injury.
Crush Injuries
Crush injuries are a serious concern in the maritime industry, particularly for workers who operate heavy machinery or work in confined spaces. These injuries occur when a worker’s body is compressed between objects, leading to severe injuries like broken bones, internal bleeding, or even amputations.
What to do: If you’ve sustained a crush injury, seek medical treatment immediately. Afterward, it’s important to contact our maritime accident lawyer who can help you file a claim for workers’ compensation and explore other legal avenues.
Back And Spine Injuries
Back and spine injuries are common among maritime workers due to heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and awkward body positions. These injuries can result in long-term pain and permanent disability. For many maritime workers, a back or spine injury may significantly impact their ability to perform their job.
What to do: If you suffer a back or spine injury, it’s crucial to receive a proper diagnosis from a medical professional. Our Kentucky maritime injury attorney can work with your medical records to determine the full extent of your injuries and guide you through the claims process to secure compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. We can also help you assess whether your injury qualifies for additional benefits under the Jones Act.
Burns And Chemical Exposure
Exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials is a serious risk for workers in the maritime industry. In particular, burns caused by fuel, oil, or other chemicals are common on ships and rigs. These injuries can cause serious scarring, long-term health issues, and, in some cases, death.
What to do: If you are exposed to harmful chemicals or sustain a burn injury, immediate medical attention is a must. Once treated, our Jones Act attorney can help you file a claim against your employer or third-party companies that may have been responsible for unsafe working conditions.
Head And Neck Injuries
Maritime workers are at risk of head and neck injuries, especially if they are struck by falling objects, involved in a collision, or subjected to sudden movements. These injuries can result in concussions, spinal cord damage, and other serious conditions.
What to do: For any head or neck injury, it’s vital to seek immediate medical attention. Even if symptoms seem minor, head injuries can worsen over time. Afterwards, our maritime accident lawyer can help assess your case and determine the most appropriate legal course of action to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Taking Action After A Maritime Injury
If you’ve sustained any of these injuries or faced an accident while working in the maritime industry, it’s essential to take action quickly. With over 30 years of experience, Katz Law is committed to helping maritime workers like you receive the compensation you deserve—to date, we’ve recovered over $60 million for our clients. Contact our Kentucky maritime injury lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your claim.
Kentucky Maritime Injury FAQs
If you’ve been injured while working on the water, you may be wondering how to proceed with a claim. Our Kentucky maritime injury lawyer can help guide you through the process. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about maritime injury claims and how to handle them.
What Does A Maritime Injury Lawyer Do?
A maritime injury lawyer focuses on representing individuals who have been injured while working on or around the water. They help workers in maritime industries—such as shipping, fishing, and offshore drilling—seek compensation for injuries sustained while on the job. This could include cases under the Jones Act, which allows injured seamen to sue for damages. Additionally, these lawyers are knowledgeable in handling maritime workers’ compensation claims and helping injured maritime workers receive appropriate benefits.
Can You Sue For Pain And Suffering In Kentucky?
Yes, you can sue for pain and suffering in Kentucky, particularly under the Jones Act. If you were injured while working on a vessel, you may be entitled to recover damages for pain and suffering. This includes both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Our Kentucky maritime injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for the full range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the specifics of your case, such as the severity of the injury and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Can I File A Claim For A Maritime Injury If I Was Working On A Foreign Vessel?
Yes, you can file a claim for a maritime injury even if you were working on a foreign vessel. The Jones Act applies to U.S. maritime workers, even if they are working on vessels registered in foreign countries. As long as the vessel you were working on was operating in U.S. waters, or you are a U.S. citizen or resident, you are still entitled to file a claim under the Jones Act.
Our maritime accident lawyers can help you determine if your situation qualifies for a claim, regardless of whether the vessel is foreign-flagged or not.
How Do I Know If I Qualify For Compensation Under The Jones Act?
You may qualify for compensation under the Jones Act if you were injured while working on a vessel, or if your job is closely related to a vessel’s operation. This can include crew members, deckhands, engineers, and other maritime workers. To qualify, you must be considered a “seaman” under the Jones Act, which means your primary job duties must involve working on or around vessels in navigation.
To determine if you qualify, it’s important to consult with our seaman injury lawyer who can assess your case. We offer post-injury consultations to review your eligibility under the Jones Act and provide guidance on how to move forward.
What Should I Bring To My Consultation With A Maritime Injury Lawyer?
When meeting with our Kentucky maritime injury lawyer, it’s helpful to bring the following documents and information:
- Medical records related to your injury, including diagnoses, treatments, and prognosis.
- Accident reports if available, or a detailed description of how the injury occurred.
- Employment information such as pay stubs, your job title, and a description of your job duties.
- Witness statements or contact information of any colleagues who witnessed the accident.
- Insurance information and any previous claims related to your injury.
Bringing this information will help your lawyer better understand the circumstances surrounding your injury and give us the necessary details to evaluate your claim.
How We Can Help You
Since 1998, Katz Law has aimed to make the process as smooth as possible by guiding you through each step of your injury claim. We’ve helped countless clients recover millions in compensation, and we can help you, too. If you or a loved one has been injured while working on the water, reach out to us today—our team can help you understand your legal options moving forward. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Call (270) 778-5110 today for a free consultation with our Paducah maritime injury attorneys. We can hold third parties responsible for their negligent actions and achieve optimal outcomes for you.
