A Barge Accident Attorney Familiar with the Complexities of Maritime Law

Barge and rig accidents can be devastating. If you are a victim, you may have suffered life-altering injuries, and you may no longer be able to support yourself or your family. A barge accident attorney at our Lafayette, LA firm can help you fight an insurance company or a negligent party. After evaluating all the circumstances of the accident, we will work tirelessly to obtain the compensation that you deserve. At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we are familiar with the unique regulations of maritime law and the Jones Act. Through the years, we have also handled a wide array of claims involving rig and barge accidents. Therefore, we have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle even the most complex cases.

Types of Rig and Barge Accidents

We handle cases involving all types of rigs and barges. If you have been injured on any of the following vessels, we can provide the assistance you need:

• Jackup, semisubmersible, or another offshore drilling rig
• Workover barge
• Construction barge
• Seismic vessel
• Pipe or flowline vessel
• Offshore or inland tugboat
• Derrick lay barge
• Pipe lay barge
• And more

Commonly, offshore rig accidents arise from dangers on platforms, equipment failures, fires and explosions, and the use of swing ropes. With tugboats and barges, tripping or slipping and falling is common, as is being struck by heavy lines or shackles and falling off ladders or overboard. Injuries are often serious and sometimes fatal, resulting from burns, electrical shock, crushing forces, and other hazards.

Often, these accidents occur because of a lack of safety standards. Other times, vessel or equipment failure may be to blame. As a result, there could be a number of parties responsible for the accident. Often, your employer and the vessel owner will share responsibility. However, in other cases, an equipment manufacturer may be found liable.

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we have been serving the people of Louisiana for nearly fifty years. Through that time, we have helped many injured barge and rig workers obtain the compensation they deserved.

Maritime Law and the Jones Act

Barge and rig accidents fall under maritime law. These laws are different from those that regulate car accidents and other types of personal injury cases. Often, maritime accident lawsuits will take place in federal, rather than state, courts. Rig and barge cases in Louisiana can be especially intricate because international waters begin just three miles from shore.

The Jones Act is a maritime law that allows seamen to sue their employers for injuries sustained on the job. This law takes the place of worker’s compensation, since most maritime employees are not eligible for this type of accident insurance. Nevertheless, the Jones Act and worker’s compensation are very different. Therefore, you need an attorney who is familiar with this specific legislation.

Our Attorneys Are Here to Help

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we have been serving the people of Louisiana for nearly fifty years. Through that time, we have helped many injured barge and rig workers obtain the compensation they deserved. Thanks to our familiarity with maritime law, we can handle even the most complicated cases that go to federal court. When you come to our firm, we will conduct a complete investigation, analyzing every circumstance of your accident. We will always keep you up-to-date, and we are happy to discuss your case 24/7. At the same time, we will handle the details of your case ourselves. That way, you can focus on recovery, knowing that you have the finest legal minds working for you.

Contact Us for the Legal Assistance You Need

Our firm has a deep understanding of maritime personal injury law. If you have been injured in a barge or rig accident, contact our office to learn more about your legal options.