New Orleans, LA — With its bustling ports, expansive shipyards, and a workforce deeply entrenched in offshore and maritime industries, New Orleans remains one of the most vital maritime hubs in the United States. But with great industry comes great risk—and when accidents happen at sea, the legal waters can become murky fast. That’s where a maritime lawyer steps in.
A City Built on the Water
New Orleans’ identity is inextricably tied to the water. From the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, the city thrives on shipping, oil drilling, fishing, and offshore employment. While these industries offer countless job opportunities, they also come with high rates of injury, complex employment conditions, and often unclear legal protections.
Unlike standard workplace accidents, injuries on the water fall under a specialized body of law known as maritime or admiralty law. This set of regulations governs everything from ship collisions to injuries on oil rigs—and it’s vastly different from traditional personal injury law.
What Does a Maritime Lawyer Do?
A maritime lawyer in New Orleans specializes in handling legal issues that occur on navigable waters. These cases often involve offshore workers, seamen, longshoremen, cruise ship employees, dock workers, and even passengers.
Their responsibilities may include:
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Representing injured maritime workers in Jones Act claims
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Pursuing compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
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Litigating cargo and vessel disputes
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Advocating in wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims
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Navigating employer negligence and unseaworthiness cases
“Maritime law is a completely different beast,” says Thomas Ridley, a maritime attorney based in downtown New Orleans. “If you’re injured offshore or on a vessel, you need someone who knows how to speak the language of admiralty law and can fight back against major shipping or oil companies.”
Understanding the Jones Act
One of the most crucial tools in a maritime lawyer’s toolkit is the Jones Act—a federal statute that gives seamen the right to sue their employer for negligence. Unlike typical workers’ comp laws, the Jones Act requires proof of employer fault but allows for significantly higher compensation, including pain and suffering.
However, qualifying as a “seaman” under the Jones Act is a technical matter. The law defines a seaman as someone who spends at least 30% of their working time aboard a vessel in navigation. This classification can determine whether an injured worker can pursue a claim under the Jones Act or must rely on other compensation programs like the LHWCA.
“A lot of workers don’t even realize they qualify as seamen,” says Ridley. “That’s why talking to a maritime lawyer early on is critical.”
Common Maritime Injuries
Maritime work is notoriously hazardous. Common injuries include:
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Slips and falls on wet or unstable decks
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Back and spine injuries from heavy lifting
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Burns from explosions on oil rigs
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Crush injuries from cargo or equipment
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Hypothermia or drowning in man-overboard situations
Injured workers often face long recoveries, loss of income, and pressure from employers or insurance companies to settle quickly. Maritime attorneys help level the playing field and protect workers’ rights to fair compensation.
Local Expertise Matters
New Orleans has a deep bench of experienced maritime lawyers, many of whom have spent decades fighting cases in the Gulf South region. Local knowledge is vital—not just of the law, but of the regional courts, shipping companies, and medical providers involved in these types of cases.
Whether the incident occurred in the Port of New Orleans, on the Mississippi River, or out in the Gulf of Mexico, local attorneys understand the nuances that can make or break a case.
When to Call a Maritime Attorney
If you’ve been injured in any kind of maritime accident—whether as a crew member, dockworker, or even a passenger—time is of the essence. Maritime claims often have strict filing deadlines, and evidence can disappear quickly in marine environments.
Signs it’s time to contact a maritime lawyer include:
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Your employer is pressuring you to sign documents
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You’re unsure of your legal status (seaman vs. contractor)
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You’re facing medical bills or can’t return to work
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The insurance settlement offer seems too low
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There’s a question of vessel safety or equipment malfunction