Maritime work has the potential to be hazardous, but workers are protected by maritime law if they are injured on the job. The Jones Act and Death on the High Seas Act may enable an injured seaman or the family of a worker killed in a fatal maritime accident the opportunity to seek compensation.
General maritime law may entitle a maritime worker to maintenance and cure benefits for virtually any type of maritime injury or accident, regardless of fault. An experienced maritime lawyer can provide representation that allows injured workers or bereaved families the resources they need to move forward.
Injured while working on an offshore oil platform, jack-up rig or any commercial maritime vessel? Scheduling a consultation with a lawyer who is familiar with the concerns and regulations of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge is important. You may be entitled to compensation, but how will you know what laws apply or what your claim will be worth? What can you do if your employer denies responsibility or offers an unfairly low settlement?
The maritime attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP can offer the help you need. We represent workers throughout the U.S. who have been injured in offshore accidents or in any type of incident while working aboard a maritime vessel or at a sea or river port. We have the resources to handle cases related to burn injuries, traumatic amputation, spinal cord injuries, and even fatal injuries. Our lawyers have recovered billions of dollars for our clients – find out how we can assist you by calling (888) 346-5024 for a free consultation.
Baton Rouge, the state capital, is located in the southeast of LA along the Mississippi River. Baton Rouge, with one of the busiest ports in the nation, is a major industrial city known for many petrochemical industries. ExxonMobil, the Dow Chemical Company and NanYa Technology, a maker of PVC pipes, each have a presence in the city.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana is the farthest inland port that can accommodate ocean tankers on the Mississippi River, as deep draft vessels cannot pass underneath the Huey P. Long Bridge and the river depth decreases just north of Baton Rouge. Ocean tankers and cargo carriers transfer their cargoes to barges for transportation to the north or railway lines or trucking companies for other destinations. The port is conveniently located near U.S. Interstate 10, and is in close proximity to U.S. Interstate 12, 49, 55, and 59; U.S. Highway 61, 65, and 90; and LA Highway 1.
Historically, Baton Rouge grew as the result of steamboat and maritime trade. The Port of Greater Baton Rouge, located in Port Allen, is strategically placed at the convergence of the Mississippi River and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The port's jurisdiction covers a total of 85 miles, on both the east and west banks of the Mississippi.
The Port of Greater Baton Rouge is an integral part of the Louisiana maritime industry and overall economy of the greater Baton Rouge area. The National Ports and Waterways Institute reports activities at the port generate over $10 billion in total state spending. Statewide, the port generates over 20,000 jobs with a total estimated payroll of nearly $130 million, and port activities generate $130 million total state and local tax revenues.
U.S. Coast Guard Eighth District provides maritime security and maritime law enforcement to the Baton Rouge area's maritime region. The Coast Guard has jurisdiction over international waters and America's coasts, ports, and inland waterways. The Eighth District covers states throughout the Gulf Coast and heartland of America and provides security and safety services to 130 mobile offshore drilling units in the Gulf of Mexico, plus 5 of the top 7 fishing ports for commercial fishermen in the country, all located in the district.
The 1,250-mile-long Mississippi River moves millions of tons of cargo throughout the nation's heartland and must be protected from terrorist attacks, according to a 2005 MSNBC report. Ships are now required to give a 96-hour notification before docking, and the ship security officers must present documentation for cargo and crew.
The Nautical Center in downtown Baton Rouge, LA houses many attractions for the maritime enthusiast. The Nautical Center is next to the USS KIDD and Veterans Museum. At the center of the museum is the Fletcher-class destroyer USS KIDD (DD-661), known as the "Pirate of the Pacific." The nickname was appropriate as the destroyer flew the skull and crossbones of the Jolly Roger high from the foremast. The KIDD would become the only vessel in the history of the United States Navy to have leave granted to fly the flag of piracy.
Louisiana's capital is steeped in a rich cultural and maritime history, yet Baton Rouge has an eye on the future. Located just about 80 miles west of New Orleans and best known for the city's Mardi Gras celebration, Baton Rouge has many assets. With mild and short winters due to the semi-tropical climate, a diverse population, and a thriving maritime industry, Baton Rouge will continue to thrive as Louisiana's capital city.
There are many different types of accidents that may affect maritime workers. Accidents on deck happen with startling frequency, ranging from falls or injuries caused by swinging cargo or equipment failure. Fires and explosions are particularly dangerous on offshore rigs and maritime vessels, potentially taking the lives of numerous workers. Injuries are not limited to domestic industries, either—a Baton Rouge seaman working on a vessel overseas may be injured in an accident or may fall ill, complicating his recovery claim.
No matter the type of claim you are dealing with or the extent of injury sustained, you can count on our knowledge of this complex field as we guide and protect you. Our team can handle maritime claims under the Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and general maritime law.
If you have been catastrophically injured, you cannot afford to let the negligence of others go unanswered—contact an offshore injury lawyer at Arnold & Itkin today.
Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.
