Practice Areas

Blog

News

Woman Rescued from Barge Accident on Missouri River...
Posted on 1/9/2012
Woman Killed, Daughter Injured in Cruise Ship Related Tragedy...
Posted on 12/23/2011
Shrimper Killed Off the Florida Gulf Coast...
Posted on 12/3/2011
Milwaukee Cargo Ship Accident Claims Worker’s Life...
Posted on 12/3/2011
Danger! Gulf of Mexico Workers at Risk Before and After Hurricanes...
Posted on 9/11/2011

Library

Should I Hire A Lawyer Near My Hometown?

Most Jones Act and maritime law cases involve highly specialized laws. The Transocean DEEPWATER HORIZON incident will involve a Limitation of Liability proceeding as well as multiple maritime claims against multiple parties. There is a possibility that punitive damages may be collected by individuals aboard the rig against certain companies depending on the relationship of the individual with that company. If your hometown attorney specializes in, and focuses on, Jones Act and maritime claims, then he may be very qualified to handle your claim. It has been our experience that few lawyers outside of New Orleans focus on these types of cases since Southeast Louisiana has an extremely large maritime and offshore industry.

The day after the accident a suit was immediately filed in the Federal Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. This may mean that all cases will eventually be consolidated with this original suit. If this occurs, then all claims will end up in New Orleans, regardless of where they are first filed. Also, given the serious environmental claims which may arise out of the event, mostly affecting the Louisiana coastline, these claims will most likely take place in New Orleans also. In short, several factors indicate that it is very likely that all suits will end up consolidated in some form or fashion in the New Orleans area.

Our area sees these cases all the time. Our office is actually located across the street form the Federal Courthouse in New Orleans and we are in this building on a weekly basis arguing maritime case on behalf of our clients. Many smaller town attorneys actually refer cases to our office for handling. In these situations, we are happy to co-counsel with these attorneys in an effort to assist their clients. However, we also accept cases directly to our office from the individual client.

You may have questions or concerns about your future right now. Our office can help answer those questions and discuss your options with you. Simply fill out the short form below to get started. We will contact you immediately and give you our thoughts on your situation based on helping hundreds of clients throughout the Gulf South. There is no high pressure sales talk. Just us giving you our thoughts on your options and your rights. Fill out the form below and learn you options.