What Compensation Can Maritime Workers Receive After an Injury?

Maybe you’re a deckhand thrown off balance during rough weather on the Mississippi River. Maybe you slipped on an oil-slicked dock at the Port of New Orleans, or a piece of faulty equipment gave way while you were loading cargo. Now you’re hurt—and the medical bills are piling up. You may be wondering: Do I file a regular workers’ comp claim? Is my employer supposed to pay my medical bills? What if I can’t go back to work anytime soon?

If you work offshore, on vessels, docks, or shipping terminals, your injury doesn’t fall under standard state workers’ compensation laws. Instead, you’re likely covered under maritime law, a specialized system designed to protect people who earn their living on or near the water. But this system isn’t always straightforward—and employers or insurance companies may not explain all the benefits you’re entitled to.

That’s why it’s so important to know your rights—and to have a local attorney who knows New Orleans’ maritime industry and the federal laws that apply to it. Here’s what you should know if you’ve been hurt while working offshore or in a maritime setting.

Types of Compensation Available to Maritime Workers

If you were hurt while working at sea or on a vessel, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation under maritime law. These include:

Maintenance and Cure: This is your right to have your basic living expenses and medical bills covered while you recover. It’s a no-fault benefit owed to most injured seamen.

Lost Wages: If your injury keeps you from working, you may be able to recover the income you’ve missed—and in some cases, future earnings too.

Medical Costs: In addition to routine treatment, this can include surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Pain and Suffering: Depending on the circumstances of your injury—especially if negligence or unsafe conditions were involved—you may be able to pursue damages for physical and emotional harm.

If you’re not sure which benefits apply to your situation, you’re not alone. Maritime law can overlap with other laws, like the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)—each with different rules and protections.

Why You Need a New Orleans Maritime Injury Lawyer on Your Side

After a serious on-the-job injury, it can be hard enough to focus on healing—let alone trying to navigate a complicated legal system. That’s where a New Orleans maritime lawyer comes in.

At Irpino Avin & Hawkins, our legal team understands the unique challenges maritime workers face. We can:

• Investigate your accident and determine which laws apply
• File the right claims to get you the compensation you’re entitled to
• Stand up to large employers or insurance companies trying to limit your benefits
• Make sure you’re not pressured into a low settlement or denied care you deserve

We’ve represented New Orleans maritime workers in cases involving shipboard accidents, cargo handling injuries, chemical exposure, and more. Whether you’re a longshoreman, tugboat operator, or part of a fishing crew, we know how to fight for what’s fair.

Talk to a Maritime Lawyer Who Knows New Orleans, LA Today

If you’ve been injured while working on or near the water, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Irpino Avin & Hawkins today to schedule a consultation. We’ll explain your rights, help you understand your options, and take the burden of legal paperwork off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.