Protecting Injured Maritime Workers and Their Families Under the Jones Act

Louisiana’s economy depends on the men and women who work offshore and along our ports. Every day, seamen, rig hands, and maritime workers face dangerous conditions to keep our state moving. When an injury happens on the water, the consequences can be life-changing. The laws that protect you are different from typical workers’ compensation, and understanding them can make all the difference.

At Kenneth D. St. Pé, APLC, we represent Louisiana maritime workers who have been injured while working at sea, on oil platforms, or in port operations. We help clients and their families recover full compensation under the Jones Act and related maritime laws.

Understanding the Jones Act

The Jones Act is a federal law that protects seamen injured while working on navigable waters. Unlike standard workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows injured maritime employees to bring legal claims directly against their employers for negligence. This means if your injury was caused by unsafe conditions, lack of training, or defective equipment, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.

The Jones Act covers crew members working on:

• Oil rigs and drilling platforms

• Tugboats and barges

• Supply boats and crew vessels

• Dredge boats and lift boats

• Fishing and cargo ships

• Offshore service vessels

If you spend a significant portion of your working time on a vessel, you likely qualify for Jones Act protection.

Common Causes of Jones Act Injuries

Maritime work is physically demanding and often hazardous. Even small oversights by employers can lead to serious harm. We handle cases involving:

• Unsafe working conditions or lack of safety gear

• Inadequate training or supervision

• Equipment or machinery failures

• Slippery decks and falls

• Fires, explosions, or blowouts

• Lifting injuries and repetitive strain

• Collisions and capsizing incidents

When these accidents occur, employers and vessel owners have a duty to provide a safe workplace. Failing to do so can make them legally responsible for the harm caused.

Maintenance and Cure: Your Basic Rights

Under maritime law, injured seamen are entitled to “maintenance and cure” meaning medical care and basic living expenses while you recover. Unfortunately, some employers delay or deny these benefits to save money.

At St. Pé Law, we make sure you receive every benefit you are owed. We also pursue full compensation for additional damages, including lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and long-term medical needs if your employer’s negligence caused your injury.

Fighting for Louisiana’s Maritime Workforce

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Port of Lafayette and beyond, we have represented seamen, offshore workers, and dock employees who have been injured on the job. We know how powerful maritime employers and their insurance companies can be, and we know how to hold them accountable.

Our firm investigates every aspect of your case including vessel logs, safety procedures, maintenance records, and witness statements to uncover the truth and build the strongest possible claim.

Why Choose Attorney Kenneth D. St. Pé

Ken St. Pé has decades of experience helping injured maritime workers across Louisiana. We understand the complexities of the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and other maritime laws that protect offshore and port employees.

Our commitment is simple: we fight for hardworking Louisianans who get hurt doing some of the toughest jobs in the world. We offer free consultations and handle Jones Act cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Get a Free Consultation with a Louisiana Jones Act Lawyer

If you were injured while working offshore, on a vessel, or in a Louisiana port, contact Kenneth D. St. Pé today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your rights under the Jones Act, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

You pay nothing unless we win your case.

St. Pé Law: Protecting Louisiana’s Offshore and Maritime Workers with Strength, Skill, and Heart.