After an accident and maritime injuries, most people get confused about where to start and what to do. The hospital bills in New Orleans are expensive, and if you are a breadwinner, your dependent’s life can be miserable if you don’t get compensation. This is why it’s crucial to know your rights as a seaman and ensure you hire a reputable lawyer such as a New Orleans maritime lawyer. When hiring a lawyer, you need to find someone knowledgeable about the law of the state and clauses that contain the maritime laws.
Your lawyer can determine your fate and how much you can get paid as compensation. If they are experienced and well qualified, you do not have to worry as you will get the maximum amount that will help you be financially stable. This article will explore the top six considerations before hiring an offshore injury lawyer.
- Inquire if the Lawyer is Familiar with the Maritime Law and the Jones Act
When filing a claim, laws that govern how employers and employees relate to such a crisis must be followed. The Jones Act helps to ensure that all the seamen, such as the dock workers receive their compensation in case of injuries on the line of duty. However, unlike ordinary workers’ compensation with the Jones act, you need to prove that your employer’s negligence is the root cause of your injuries.
To ensure you have the right lawyer to represent you, they should be able to illustrate and show they are familiar with the Jones Act. If the attorney does not know about the Jones case and how to apply, they cannot help you file a maritime injury claim. They will not be away from how to collect the evidence and how to defend you so you can get the best compensation offer.
- Do Your Lawyer Know the Obligation of Your Employer?
If the lawyer claims they are the right candidate, they should be able to elaborate and tell you how the Jones Act will benefit you. Most employers have a legal team in play, especially when faced with a severe employee with injuries. They tend to try and minimize the cost to avoid losing. They may try tricks of not giving you enough funds to help you during your recovery period. Th may also insist that you use the employers sponsored cards rather than looking for a specialist doctor to help treat your injuries. Consider hiring a lawyer who knows such tricks and how to evade them to help you get the proper compensation.
- Experience and Availability
The maritime cases are complicated and require someone with good knowledge about the laws to win. Most lawyers lack experience and don’t have a point of reference to help you court when stuck. You should ask them about their experience and consider confirming their stories with their references. Inquiring if they will handle your case or another lawyer is crucial. Lastly, it’s essential to know how to reach out to them in case you have a question that you want repose.
Wrapping Up:
The above is crucial as they will help you narrow your search and get the right lawyer. Don t forget to discuss how they charge and the extra cost to avoid complications later.
