Additional Practice Areas
Involved in a Work Related Injury?
A work-related injury might result from a sudden event or it could develop over time from repetitive motion or stress, and sometimes workers might even acquire an occupational illness or disease like heart or respiratory problems.
Every employer in Louisiana is required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, but there are many rules, exceptions to rules and nuances in Workers’ Compensation law that require experienced, knowledgeable attorneys such as ours at Morrow, Gates & Morrow.
Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Louisiana Workers’ Compensation protects most full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers from their first day of employment, as well as some subcontractors or independent contractors. Benefits can be awarded for:
- Any unexpected or unforeseen event that causes a job-related injury.
- Mental injuries resulting from a physical injury that occurred at the workplace or extraordinary stress that stemmed from employment.
- Diseases that stem from toxic exposure or other conditions on the job.
Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system, which means you can still receive benefits even if your own inexperience or carelessness caused your injuries. However, there are some exceptions to coverage.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Louisiana’s Workers’ Compensation laws are intended to help injured workers, but there are many times when employers or their insurance companies wrongfully deny claims and benefits. Those benefits might include:
- Reasonable medical bills connected with the accident
- Temporary disability payments at 66 percent of your wage rate
- Permanent partial disability payments
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Other benefits
When the Unexpected Happens, Call Morrow, Gates & Morrow
Our clients come from a wide range of jobs and industries in both the private and public sectors, so our lawyers are fully aware of the hardships that result for you and your family when you’re seriously injured. Don’t let your employer or their insurance company avoid being liable for your injuries.
If you are seriously injured or acquire an occupational illness or disease during employment, contact us right away at (337) 942-6529 to arrange for a free consultation with one of our experienced Louisiana Workers’ Compensation law attorneys.
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Were You Injured While Working Offshore?
If you were injured while working offshore or during any type of job involving the maritime industry, the Jones Act could play an important role in your personal injury case.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal statute that was passed in 1920 and provides certain protections for workers in the maritime industry. These protections include the right to receive compensation for injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering and payment for missed wages. While the Jones Act was originally passed to protect merchant marines, it now applies to many different workers within the maritime industry.
The Rights of Maritime Workers
Maritime workers have the following rights:
- The captain of the ship must ensure there is appropriate safety equipment on the vessel
- Workers must be properly trained to avoid injuries
- Injured workers may bring a claim of maritime injury, collecting from their employers for losses resulting from the injury
- Workers cannot be compelled to work in hazardous or negligent conditions
- The owner of the boat must ensure it is seaworthy and free of unsafe conditions
When the Unexpected Happens, Call Morrow, Gates & Morrow
Because the Jones Act is extremely complex and sometimes difficult to interpret, it’s important that you hire an attorney with experience and expertise with this statute if you suffer a maritime injury. Many people are not aware that certain injuries that occur when working offshore are even covered by the Jones Act. This statute can cover offshore injuries that result from situations such as: faulty equipment, poor maintenance of equipment, improper training of crew members and more.
At Morrow, Gates & Morrow, our attorneys have successfully handled numerous maritime injury cases and are well versed in the Jones Act and how it affects these particular types of personal injury cases.
If you were injured while working offshore and are not sure if the Jones Act will apply to your case, contact us today at (337) 942-6529. We will provide you with a free case evaluation and have the experience to guide you through the entire legal process.
