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Punitive damages are also available under general maritime law when certain conditions apply to your maritime accident. This is a topic you should discuss with a maritime law firm in New Orleans because it can be difficult to decipher.
First of all, the purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant. For example, if you were injured after your employer insisted that you work in dangerous, stormy conditions and you suffered $5,000 in general damages, this compensation may be pocket change for your employer.
However, to prevent your employer from making people work in dangerous conditions in the future, a court may order punitive damages that far exceed $5,000.
Overview of Punitive Damages in a Maritime Accident
When you meet with attorney Timothy Young in Louisiana or any of the lawyers at The Young Firm, they can explain that the Jones Act does not allow injured seamen to seek punitive damages under general maritime law.
However, when a non-seaman files a lawsuit under general maritime law, that individual can seek punitive damages. Keep in mind though, that punitive damages are rarely awarded, although they make big headlines when they are.
Unless the circumstances that led up to your accident are especially egregious, a judge might dismiss all claims for punitive damages before the jury is even aware of the issue. Still, you should not be discouraged from seeking punitive damages as long as you are a non-seaman with a legitimate accident claim.
Be sure to discuss all of the facts of your case with your New Orleans, LA attorneys. Maritime law does have its advantages, and when you have been seriously injured, you should get all compensation that you are due under general maritime law. While you focus on tending to your injuries, an attorney at the maritime law firm in New Orleans can focus on the legal matters.
Contact New Orleans, LA Attorneys with Maritime Experience
Attorney Timothy Young in Louisiana understands that maritime law provides you with certain protections your employer may not want you to know about. The maritime law firm in New Orleans, The Young Firm, can help you if you have suffered boating accident injuries, an offshore accident or other injuries that fall under maritime law or the Jones Act.
Though we are based in Louisiana, we are ready and able to help injured victims throughout the U.S. Order our free Maritime Injury Law guide and/or our guide to what to do when you are injured offshore to learn all about your rights as an injured worker.
When you are ready to get started with your Jones Act injury case, we urge you to contact us today for a FREE case evaluation – call 504-680-4100 or toll-free at 866-938-6113.
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