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Baptiste Collette Jack Up Boat Fire Near Venice Louisiana Housing Oil Spill Workers-- Seaman Status?

There are reports tonight of a fire aboard a jack-up boat located near Venice, Louisiana in Batiste Collette Bayou. Several workers are reported to have sustained minor injuries. This is an excellent example of how the Jones Act may come into play to assist these workers who presumably were assigned to live aboard the jack-up boat in Batiste Collette Bayou near Venice while they were working in an effort to clean up the oil spill.

In order to qualify as seamen and have the benefit of the Jones Act, these workers simply had to be assigned to the jack up boat on which the fire broke out. Even if these workers left the jack up boat during the day and were simply “housed” on the boat at night, these workers will likely qualify as seamen under the Jones Act.

Interestingly, they may have excellent suits due to the fire under the Jones Act against numerous parties. First, the owner of the jack up boat on which the fire started may be responsible under maritime law even if the owner did not employ the workers aboard the boat. Then, the workers also may have a claim relating to the fire against their direct employer under the Jones Act since they may qualify as seamen assigned to the boat. Finally, there could be other third-parties who may have caused or contributed to the fire who may also be responsible and liable to the workers for their injuries.

This very unfortunate situation in Batiste Collette Bayou provides an excellent example of how the Jones Act and general maritime law may assist these workers to receive full recovery for their injuries from all responsible parties. Our office fights Jones Act status issues everyday and all the time we see companies try to avoid the protections the Jones Act affords to injured workers.

Louisiana Jones Act attorneys dedicated to helping people seek justice and fair compensation. The Young Firm has over 50 years of experience representing maritime workers and injured seamen. With more than 50 years experience, our Louisiana Maritime attorneys have been focusing on the practice of admiralty and maritime law.