Maritime and Offshore Injury Lawyer in New Orleans

Justice for injured seamen, dockworkers, and offshore workers

Maritime workers in New Orleans operate in some of the most hazardous environments in Louisiana — navigating unpredictable waters, managing heavy equipment, and working long hours on docks, barges, and offshore platforms. From the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain to the Gulf of Mexico, this work keeps the region moving.

But when serious injuries happen, the consequences can be life-altering. Legal protections exist, but they’re not automatic. They must be fought for — especially when powerful employers and insurers are involved. Attorney John S. Williams stands with injured maritime workers across Orleans Parish and beyond to help them pursue the compensation they’re entitled to under the law.

A New Orleans maritime lawyer can protect your rights

If you’ve been hurt offshore, in port, or while working on a vessel, it’s not always clear what your rights are. Maritime laws like the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) offer compensation — but only if you file under the right law, against the right party, at the right time. And that’s not easy without legal guidance.

As a trusted New Orleans maritime lawyer, John S. Williams fights to make sure you get what’s right, what’s fair, and what you’re owed. The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC has secured significant results for injured clients across Louisiana. Contact us today for a free consultation and speak with a lawyer who understands how to protect injured maritime workers.

Where maritime injuries happen in Orleans — and why they’re so serious

From tugboats and cargo ships to rigs, barges, and shipyards, maritime environments are filled with hazards. These jobs often involve harsh conditions, heavy machinery, and unpredictable elements. Accidents can happen in an instant, but their consequences can last a lifetime.

Common maritime injury environments in and around New Orleans include:

Ports and Terminals: Along the Mississippi River, including neighborhoods like Bywater, Algiers Point, and the Lower Garden District.
Drilling Platforms: Operating off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shipyards and Docks: Located in Chalmette, Avondale, Harvey, and other nearby communities.
Navigable Vessels: Traveling on Lake Pontchartrain, the Intracoastal Waterway, or the Gulf.
Inland Waterway Barges: Working on vessels operating between New Orleans and Baton Rouge via the Mississippi River.
Container Yards and Freight Depots: Where maritime cargo is processed in areas like Elmwood and Kenner.
Marine Construction Zones: Involving bridge repair, dredging, or levee work near the Industrial Canal and Inner Harbor Navigation Canal.
Oilfield Support Sites: Such as heliports and dock-based staging areas in Gretna, Belle Chasse, and Port Fourchon.
Ferry Terminals and Passenger Vessels: Including Algiers Ferry and tourist boats serving the French Quarter and Central Business District.
Fishing and Shrimping Operations: Common along the coastline near Plaquemines Parish and the lower Mississippi Delta.

Whether you’re a crewmember on a shrimp boat or a longshoreman unloading containers, your workplace may qualify you for special legal protections if you get hurt. But asserting those protections often requires a skilled maritime injury lawyer who knows how to build your case from the ground up.

How maritime workers get hurt

The nature of maritime work increases the risk of severe injuries. Even with training and safety measures in place, conditions on the water or at the dock can become hazardous quickly.

Some of the most serious injuries suffered by maritime workers include:

Spinal Cord and Brain Injuries: Often caused by falls, falling objects, or severe impacts.
Amputations and Crush Injuries: Resulting from contact with winches, cranes, or heavy cargo.
Burns: Caused by fires, explosions, or chemical exposure on vessels and rigs.
Fractures and Soft Tissue Damage: From equipment strikes, heavy lifting, or slippery decks.
Toxic Exposure: Long-term exposure to fuel, solvents, or hazardous materials.
Drowning or Near-Drowning Events: Occurring during falls overboard or vessel capsizing.
Hypothermia and Cold Water Injuries: Resulting from exposure during marine emergencies or failed survival gear.
Hearing Loss and Auditory Damage: Caused by prolonged exposure to engine noise, machinery, or explosive incidents.
Repetitive Stress and Overexertion Injuries: Including back strain and joint damage from heavy lifting and long hours.
Vision Damage: Due to chemical splashes, welding arcs, or debris in confined spaces.

These injuries often lead to chronic pain, disability, job loss, and emotional trauma. When the harm is this severe, insurance companies and employers may fight harder to avoid paying full compensation. That’s when having an experienced offshore injury lawyer can make a real difference.

Jones Act or LHWCA? What about OCSLA? The law that covers you matters.

Not all maritime workers are protected by the same law. Depending on your specific job duties, where the injury occurred, and the nature of your work environment, you may fall under either the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), or, in some offshore cases, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). Understanding which law applies is necessary — it determines the type and amount of compensation you can receive, and how your case must be handled.

Jones Act

The Jones Act is a federal law that protects “seamen” — employees who work aboard vessels in navigable waters. It gives these workers the right to sue their employer for negligence, a right that land-based workers typically don’t have. The Jones Act is part of the larger Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and was created to ensure that injured maritime workers have legal recourse when employers fail to maintain safe working conditions.

You may qualify under the Jones Act if you:

Work on a Vessel: Such as a tugboat, supply boat, or barge, in navigable waters.
Support the Vessel’s Mission: Your work contributes directly to the operation or function of the vessel.
Spend Substantial Time Aboard: A significant portion of your job is on the water.

If you meet these conditions, the Jones Act gives you powerful rights, including the ability to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer for negligence. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows claims for pain and suffering, full wage loss, and more.

Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

The LHWCA, on the other hand, is a federal workers’ compensation law for land-based maritime workers who do not qualify as seamen. It covers employees injured while working on or near navigable waters and provides benefits without requiring proof of employer negligence. However, the compensation under the LHWCA is typically more limited than what is available through the Jones Act.

You may be covered by the LHWCA if you:

Work on Land or Near Water: At a shipyard, dock, marine terminal, or repair facility.
Perform Maritime Support Duties: Such as crane operation, welding, or container loading.
Are Not a “Seaman”: Your job doesn’t meet the Jones Act definition, but you work near navigable waters.

Workers covered under the LHWCA are eligible to receive medical care, wage loss benefits, and disability compensation. However, LHWCA claims do not include damages for pain and suffering, and settlements are generally lower than those under the Jones Act.

Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA)

Additional legal protections may apply under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) if the work occurs on a fixed offshore platform. OCSLA extends certain federal labor protections — such as those in the LHWCA — to employees working on oil rigs, drilling platforms, and other stationary structures located on the outer continental shelf beyond state waters. These workers are not considered seamen under the Jones Act; however, they still face dangerous offshore conditions and are entitled to compensation in the event of an injury.

You may be covered by OCSLA if you:

Work on a Fixed Offshore Platform: Including oil rigs, gas platforms, or production facilities beyond state territorial waters.
Perform Construction or Maintenance: Such as welding, pipefitting, or structural repairs on offshore installations.
Provide Technical Support Services: Including electrical, mechanical, and safety-related duties on stationary offshore structures.
Support Day-to-Day Operations: In roles like cooking, cleaning, or medical care for crews stationed offshore.

Understanding the distinction between these two laws is crucial. Filing under the wrong statute can cost you the right to pain and suffering damages, full wage replacement, or even medical coverage. A New Orleans maritime lawyer can help ensure you’re pursuing the correct type of claim.

Injured maritime workers have legal rights

Once the right law is identified, injured maritime workers may be entitled to a range of legal protections and compensation options. These can vary depending on fault, classification, and the severity of the injury.

Under the Jones Act, workers may pursue:

Maintenance and Cure: Payment for basic living expenses and medical treatment during the recovery period.
Negligence Claims: Compensation if an employer’s carelessness led to the injury.
Unseaworthiness Claims: If the vessel was not safe, properly maintained, or adequately staffed.

Under the LHWCA, injured workers may be eligible for:

Medical Benefits: Full coverage for reasonable and necessary treatment.
Disability Payments: Compensation for lost wages and permanent impairments.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Job training is provided if an individual is unable to return to their prior work.

Under OCSLA, workers may also be entitled to:

LHWCA-Based Protections: Medical and wage benefits for injuries sustained on fixed offshore platforms.
Employer Accountability: In some cases, claims may involve contractor negligence or unsafe worksite conditions.
Coverage Beyond State Waters: Compensation tied to incidents occurring on the outer continental shelf, including oil and gas platforms.

Figuring out these options alone is challenging, and any misstep can reduce what you’re able to recover. Speaking with a Jones Act attorney early can help preserve your rights and maximize your claim.

Who’s liable after a maritime accident?

Maritime claims often involve complex questions of liability and responsibility. More than one party may be responsible for your injury. Depending on the facts of your case, potentially liable parties could include:

Vessel Owners: Responsible for maintaining a seaworthy ship and safe conditions.
Maritime Employers: Accountable for training, supervision, and workplace safety.
Equipment Manufacturers: Liable for defective or dangerous tools, parts, or machinery.
Contractors or Vendors: If third-party negligence caused or contributed to the incident.

Determining liability requires a thorough investigation, knowledge of maritime law, and the ability to act fast before evidence disappears. A maritime injury attorney in New Orleans can handle these steps while you focus on healing.

What to do after an offshore or maritime injury in Louisiana

The steps you take after an injury can affect both your health and your legal case. Acting quickly and carefully is critical.

Report the Injury: Notify your supervisor and request written documentation.
Get Medical Treatment: Seek immediate care and follow all recommended treatment.
Avoid Signing Anything: Do not accept a settlement or provide statements to insurers without consulting a lawyer.
Talk to a Maritime Lawyer: Protect your rights and preserve your ability to pursue compensation.

Many injured maritime workers wait to speak with a lawyer, only to lose their chance at full compensation. It’s better to know your rights from the beginning than to learn them too late.

Call John S. Williams – A New Orleans maritime lawyer who will fight for you

When the law is stacked against you, and your employer is already preparing a defense, you need someone who’s prepared to fight. John S. Williams is a New Orleans maritime attorney with a deep understanding of local waterways, federal law, and the challenges faced by working families across the Gulf region.

From the Central Business District to Mid-City, from Metairie to Belle Chasse, if you’ve been hurt offshore or on the docks, John is ready to help.

Contact us today for a free consultation. A member of our team is available 24/7 to hear from you. The consultation is free, and we can help explain your rights, legal options, and answer any questions you may have. There’s no fee unless we win your case.