Metairie Jones Act Lawyer

Maritime workers face some of the toughest, most dangerous jobs in the world. When an offshore or vessel-related injury happens, the recovery process can feel as unpredictable as the sea itself. That’s why it’s important to have experienced legal support. A Metairie, LA Jones Act lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free and confidential consultation with Kiefer & Kiefer today.

Jones Act Lawyer Metairie, LA

Working on or around the water carries unique risks. Slippery decks, heavy machinery, and long hours in unpredictable conditions often lead to serious injuries, and when they do, seamen and offshore workers have special legal protections under the Jones Act. This federal law allows injured maritime employees to file claims for negligence and recover damages beyond basic workers’ compensation benefits.

Our maritime injury lawyers have helped injured seamen, deckhands, engineers, and offshore workers across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast recover full and fair compensation under the Jones Act. We understand the ins and outs of maritime laws that apply to your case and the pressure you face from your employer or their insurance company to settle quickly.

We handle a wide range of maritime and offshore injury claims, including:

• Ship, barge, and tugboat accidents
• Offshore oil rig and platform injuries
• Crane and cargo-loading accidents
• Slips, trips, and falls on vessels
• Equipment and machinery malfunctions
• Unsafe working conditions and employer negligence

Our Jones act attorneys investigate every aspect of your case, collecting logbooks, maintenance records, witness statements, and medical documentation to establish fault and prove damages. We work closely with maritime professionals who understand vessel operations and safety standards, ensuring that every claim we file is supported by solid evidence.

Unlike many firms that handle general injury claims, our seaman’s rights lawyers have deep experience with maritime law and the Jones Act. We know how to calculate your full losses, including medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future earning capacity. We also pursue maintenance and cure benefits to help cover your living and medical expenses while you’re unable to work.

Throughout the process, you’ll always have direct access to your attorney. Our Metairie Jones act lawyers pride themselves on communication, compassion, and transparency, because your recovery matters just as much as your case result.

Why Experience Matters In Jones Act Cases

Jones Act claims are very different from standard personal injury or workers’ compensation cases. They require specialized knowledge of maritime law, vessel safety, and the rights of seamen under federal regulations. Experience makes the difference between a denied claim and a successful recovery.

Our attorneys have decades of experience representing injured maritime workers throughout Louisiana. We understand the unique hazards of offshore and vessel work, and we know how to hold negligent employers accountable for unsafe practices.

• 60+ years representing maritime and offshore workers across Louisiana
• Extensive trial experience in Jones Act and maritime injury claims
• Deep understanding of federal and maritime law standards
• Recognized for integrity, responsiveness, and proven results

“Megan Kiefer is an awesome attorney. She’s very professional, compassionate, and cares a great deal about her clients. She always puts the client’s needs first and ensures that they are compensated fairly regarding their injuries!” – Leslie M.

You’ve worked hard to build your future. Now let us work hard to make sure it goes to plan. Schedule your free and confidential consultation today with a dedicated member of Kiefer & Kiefer who will prioritize your needs onshore and offshore.

Types Of Jones Act Cases We Handle

The maritime industry drives commerce across the Gulf Coast, but it remains one of the most dangerous work environments in America. Seamen face daily risks from heavy machinery, unpredictable weather, and the inherent hazards of working on vessels far from shore. When accidents happen at sea, injured workers need more than standard workers’ compensation—they need the protection of federal maritime law. We represent seamen in all types of Jones Act injury claims, fighting to secure the compensation they deserve after suffering harm while serving their employers on the water.

Deck Accidents and Falls: Wet surfaces, uneven decking, inadequate lighting, and missing safety rails create constant fall hazards aboard vessels. These accidents often result in broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries that can end careers. We investigate whether proper maintenance protocols were followed and if your employer provided adequate safety equipment to prevent these incidents.

Machinery and Equipment Failures: Cranes, winches, hydraulic systems, and other heavy equipment require regular maintenance and proper operation. When machinery malfunctions due to inadequate maintenance or defective parts, crew members suffer crushing injuries, amputations, and severe lacerations. We examine maintenance records and manufacturer specifications to determine liability for equipment-related injuries.

Lifting and Rigging Accidents: Moving cargo and supplies requires careful coordination and properly maintained rigging equipment. Rope failures, chain breaks, and shifting loads cause devastating injuries to workers in the load path. We work with maritime safety professionals to demonstrate how improper rigging practices or equipment failures caused your injuries.

Explosions and Fires: Fuel, chemicals, and flammable materials are constant fire and explosion risks on vessels. These catastrophic events cause severe burns, respiratory damage, and traumatic injuries to multiple crew members. We investigate whether proper safety protocols were in place and if your employer maintained fire suppression systems according to regulations.

Chemical Exposures and Toxic Substances: Crew members working with cleaning agents, fuels, refrigerants, and other hazardous materials face exposure risks that can cause immediate injury or long-term health problems. Inadequate ventilation, missing protective equipment, and improper handling procedures lead to chemical burns, respiratory conditions, and systemic poisoning. We document exposure incidents and connect them to your current health conditions.

Collisions and Allisions: When vessels strike other boats, structures, or underwater obstacles, crew members suffer injuries from the impact force and subsequent chaos. These accidents often result from operator error, equipment malfunctions, or inadequate training. We investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision to identify all responsible parties.

Man Overboard Incidents: Falling overboard represents one of the most serious maritime dangers, leading to drowning, hypothermia, and injuries from the fall itself. Employers must provide proper safety rails, safety lines, and rescue equipment. We examine whether your employer followed required safety protocols and responded appropriately to the emergency.

Repetitive Stress and Overexertion Injuries: The physical demands of maritime work cause cumulative trauma to joints, muscles, and connective tissue over time. Back injuries, shoulder damage, and joint deterioration often result from years of heavy lifting and repetitive motions. We demonstrate how the nature of your maritime employment directly caused these degenerative conditions.

Slip and Fall on Foreign Substances: Oil, fish slurry, water, and other substances create treacherous walking surfaces on vessel decks. When employers fail to promptly clean spills or provide adequate drainage, crew members slip and sustain serious injuries. We gather evidence showing the substance was present long enough that the employer should have addressed it.

Inadequate Training Incidents: Employers must properly train crew members before assigning them to dangerous tasks. When workers receive insufficient instruction on equipment operation or safety procedures, injuries become much more likely. We prove that inadequate training directly contributed to your accident and resulting harm.

Weather-Related Injuries: While maritime work occurs in all weather conditions, employers must take reasonable precautions during storms and rough seas. Securing equipment, delaying non-critical operations, and providing appropriate safety gear are all required. We show when employers forced crew members to work in unreasonably dangerous weather conditions.

Barge and Tugboat Accidents: The unique operations of barges and tugboats present specific hazards including pinch points between vessels, line snap-backs, and visibility issues. Workers on these vessels face high injury rates from these distinctive dangers. We understand the particular safety requirements for barge and tug operations and how violations lead to injuries.

Offshore Platform Injuries: Though technically not vessels, many offshore platforms and rigs fall under maritime jurisdiction when workers transfer between vessels and platforms regularly. Injuries occurring during these transitions or while working on production platforms may qualify for Jones Act protection. We analyze your work pattern to determine if you qualify as a seaman under federal law.

Unseaworthy Vessel Claims: Beyond Jones Act negligence claims, we pursue unseaworthiness claims when vessels lack proper equipment, have defective components, or are inadequately maintained. This separate legal theory provides another path to compensation when your employer’s vessel was not fit for its intended purpose. We identify all seaworthiness issues that contributed to your injury.

Maintenance and Cure Violations: Injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits regardless of fault, covering living expenses and medical treatment until maximum medical recovery. When employers deny or delay these benefits, we take immediate action to enforce your rights. We also pursue damages when employers wrongfully withhold maintenance and cure payments.

If you’ve been injured while working on a vessel in navigable waters, you have rights under federal maritime law that go far beyond state workers’ compensation. As an experienced Metairie Jones Act lawyer, we at Kiefer & Kiefer have spent years helping injured seamen recover the full compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future damages. Maritime law is highly technical, and insurance companies representing vessel owners employ aggressive tactics to minimize their liability. Don’t face them alone—contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can protect your rights under the Jones Act.

Five Legal Issues A Metairie Jones Act Lawyer Can Help You With

Maritime workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the world. From offshore oil rigs to commercial fishing vessels and cargo ships, seamen risk serious injury or death every day. When injuries occur at sea due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence, the Jones Act provides important legal protections. A skilled Metairie Jones Act lawyer can help injured maritime workers pursue compensation and hold responsible parties accountable. Below are five of the most common legal issues a Jones Act attorney can assist with.

Workplace Injuries Caused By Employer Negligence

The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employer when negligence contributes to an injury. This can include unsafe working conditions, inadequate safety training, defective equipment, or failure to follow maritime safety regulations. A Jones Act lawyer investigates the cause of the injury, gathers evidence, and builds a claim to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Unseaworthiness Claims Against Vessel Owners

Under maritime law, vessel owners are required to provide a seaworthy ship that is reasonably safe for its crew. If a vessel is poorly maintained, understaffed, or equipped with faulty machinery, it may be considered unseaworthy. A Jones Act attorney can pursue claims against vessel owners for injuries caused by unsafe ship conditions, even when the employer is not the vessel owner.

Maintenance And Cure Disputes

Injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits regardless of fault. Maintenance covers daily living expenses while recovering, and cure covers medical treatment until maximum medical improvement is reached. Employers sometimes delay, reduce, or deny these payments. A Jones Act lawyer can enforce a worker’s right to full maintenance and cure and seek penalties if an employer acted in bad faith.

Wrongful Death Claims For Families Of Deceased Seamen

When a maritime worker dies due to negligence, dangerous conditions, or unseaworthy vessels, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death compensation under the Jones Act and general maritime law. A Jones Act lawyer can help families recover damages for lost financial support, funeral costs, and emotional suffering while navigating the complex legal process during an already difficult time.

Retaliation Or Employer Misconduct After An Injury

Some maritime employers attempt to discourage injury claims through intimidation, termination, blacklisting, or unfair treatment. Retaliation against injured workers is unlawful, and a Jones Act attorney can protect a worker’s rights, challenge wrongful termination, and pursue additional compensation when employer misconduct occurs.

Call Our Office Today To Find Out How We Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured while working at sea, you do not have to face the legal process alone. The experienced maritime attorneys at Kiefer & Kiefer have built a strong reputation for advocating for injured workers and their families. Our firm has been fighting for clients for more than 60 years and is known for its commitment to personal attention, aggressive representation, and a deep understanding of maritime and injury law.

Contact Kiefer & Kiefer today to speak with a Metairie Jones Act lawyer who is ready to fight for the compensation, justice, and financial security you deserve.