I live in St. Tammany Parish but was hurt offshore. Where is my case filed?

Where the case is filed depends on the claim, not on where you live. A Jones Act negligence claim can be filed in state court, including the 22nd Judicial District Court in Covington, or in federal court. LHWCA claims run through the federal Office of Workers' Compensation Programs rather than a courtroom. Third-party claims against a vessel owner, contractor, or manufacturer are filed where that defendant can be reached. We evaluate all three tracks from our Covington office before anything is filed.

What is the difference between the Jones Act and the LHWCA?

The Jones Act covers seamen: workers who spend roughly 30% or more of their time on a vessel in navigation and whose duties serve the vessel's function. It lets you sue your employer for negligence before a jury. The LHWCA covers maritime workers who do not meet that threshold, including platform and dock workers, through an administrative compensation system with no jury and no pain-and-suffering benefits. Third-party tort claims remain available to LHWCA workers under 33 U.S.C. 933 (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title33-section933#=0&edition=prelim).

How long do I have to file after an offshore accident?

It depends on the claim. Jones Act claims carry a three-year federal limitations period under 46 U.S.C. 30106 (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title46-section30106#=0&edition=prelim). LHWCA claims require notice to the employer within 30 days and a formal claim within one year under 33 U.S.C. 913 (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title33-section913#=0&edition=prelim). OCSLA claims that borrow Louisiana law use the two-year period under La. C.C. Art. 3493.1 (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1386443). Several of these can run at once on the same accident.

What is maintenance and cure, and when does it start?

It starts the day a seaman is injured in the service of the vessel and continues until maximum medical improvement. Maintenance is a daily living allowance; cure is every medical expense reasonably related to the injury. The vessel owner owes both regardless of fault, and both are separate from any Jones Act negligence recovery. An employer that refuses to pay without justification can be liable for punitive damages.

Can I sue both my employer and a third party?

Jones Act seamen sue the employer directly for negligence and can also pursue third parties. LHWCA workers cannot sue their direct employer in tort, but 33 U.S.C. 933 (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title33-section933#=0&edition=prelim) preserves claims against equipment manufacturers, vessel owners, contractors, and other non-employers. Identifying every third party is often the difference between a capped recovery and a full one.

Can I be fired for filing an offshore injury claim?

Retaliating against a seaman for pursuing a Jones Act claim is prohibited under 46 U.S.C. 30105 (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title46-section30105#=0&edition=prelim), and LHWCA workers have parallel protection under 33 U.S.C. 948a (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title33-section948a#=0&edition=prelim). If you were terminated, demoted, or pushed out after reporting an injury, keep the timeline and the paperwork; the retaliation is a separate claim on top of the injury.

What should I preserve after an offshore accident?

Report the injury to your supervisor and ask that an incident report be written. Photograph the scene, the equipment, and your injuries if you can do so safely. Keep every medical record and every message from the employer or its insurer, and write down witness names. Do not sign company paperwork or give a recorded statement to the company's adjuster before speaking with a lawyer. We send preservation demands for BSEE reports, vessel voyage data, maintenance logs, and drug-test results before retention schedules let them disappear.

The company doctor cleared me to go back, but I am still hurt. What now?

The company doctor works for the company, and that opinion is not binding on you. You may see an independent physician of your choosing, and in a maintenance-and-cure dispute the company doctor's finding is one piece of evidence, not the last word. Keep treating, document your symptoms, and talk to a lawyer before agreeing to return to work or signing any release tied to the medical determination.

Covington Offshore Accident Lawyer | Trey Morris Injury Lawyers

A Covington offshore injury is a Jones Act negligence claim for seamen or an LHWCA benefits claim for harbor and platform workers, not a state workers’ compensation file. Trey Morris Injury Lawyers starts that file by classifying the worker before the wrong compensation system is treated as the remedy.

What Are the Leading Causes of Offshore Accidents and Injuries?

That negligence can take many forms depending on how and where the accident occurs. Here are some of the most common types.

Offshore Explosions and Fires

Drilling, storing, and transporting oil and gas puts some offshore workers around volatile and combustible substances daily. With proper safety measures and equipment, workers should be able to do their jobs without being hurt in an explosion or fire. That does not always happen.

Negligence that can result in offshore fires and explosions includes:

Collisions between vessels, oil rigs, or drilling platforms
Failures to properly store oil and gas
Failures to maintain equipment or pipelines
Lack of safety training or equipment for workers

Offshore explosions and fires can cause severe burn injuries. They can also be deadly when explosions sink vessels or trap workers on oil rigs consumed by flames.

Toxic Exposures

Toxic substances are another prevalent hazard in the oil, gas, and maritime industries. Offshore workers may be routinely exposed to toxins including:

Asbestos
Benzene
Hydrogen sulfide
Industrial chemicals

These exposures can cause serious injuries when toxic substances leak or detection devices have not been installed. Workers may also lack proper training on how to handle releases. This type of negligence may come from an employer, contractor, or third-party company responsible for operations on oil rigs, drilling platforms, or sea vessels.

Equipment Failures

Design defects, manufacturing oversights, and failures to maintain industrial equipment used in offshore operations can cause accidents including:

Falls
Equipment collapses
Crushing accidents
Drownings
Loss of limb
Electrocution

Manufacturers, employers, and others can be liable when equipment failures cause offshore accidents and injuries.

Other Offshore Accidents and Injuries

Beyond explosions, fires, toxic exposures, and equipment failures, offshore accidents can happen on ship decks, tugboats, barges, commercial fishing boats, and various other vessels. Injuries can include:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injury (SCI)
Disfigurement and loss of limb
Fatal injuries

No matter where or how your offshore accident occurred, an attorney can explain your rights and options and help you take the right steps toward financial recovery.

Our Covington Office

661 River Highland Blvd
Covington, LA 70433

985-328-2332

Open 24/7 for injured Covington residents

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Offshore Accident Statistics

The latest offshore accident and injury statistics show how often serious injuries and deadly accidents affect workers on oil rigs, drilling platforms, and other vessels (source: BSEE).

An investigation revealed that BSEE is likely underreporting this data on offshore accidents and injuries. The U.S. Coast Guard is not consistently tracking or recording offshore worker deaths in state waters. The numbers likely only scratch the surface of the true number of offshore accidents that are hurting and killing workers.

What We Handle

Covington Practice Areas

Who Can I Sue After an Offshore Accident?

The answer depends on what exactly happened. Some potential options for pursuing financial recovery include filing a claim under:

The Jones Act: Also known as The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act is a federal law that gives certain maritime workers the right to sue negligent employers when their negligence results in accidents and injuries. Jones Act claims can also be filed on grounds that unseaworthy vessels caused injuries. Jones Act claims are not the same as workers’ compensation claims. They can provide additional damages including compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of consortium.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA): LHWCA claims are for those not covered by the Jones Act, including shipbuilders, ship repair workers, harbor workers, pier and dock workers, and longshoremen. Similar to workers’ compensation, LHWCA claims offer compensation for four types of disability: temporary partial, temporary total, permanent partial, and permanent total.

The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA): When deadly offshore accidents happen in international waters, a surviving spouse or dependent may be able to file a DOHSA claim. These claims can be filed after the death of maritime workers and non-workers, such as passengers killed in cruise ship accidents caused by unseaworthy vessels or negligence.

Louisiana tort law: If the negligence involved has come at the hands of a manufacturer or third party other than an employer, vessel operator, or fellow crewmember, there could be grounds to file claims against those parties as well. This can occur when defective or faulty equipment plays a role in causing an offshore accident.

Depending on the facts of your situation, you could have more than one claim.

Representative Results

$409 Million Wrongful Death

A tragic case where an impaired driver of a commercial vehicle ran a red light, then collided with our client, causing serious bodily injury to the mother and the loss of life of her daughter.

$49 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

An impaired driver of a stolen vehicle driving the wrong way collided with our client head-on, resulting in brain injury and multiple broken bones.

$32.2 Million Industrial / Workplace

Failure to maintain proper safety protocols led to an explosion at an industrial plant causing a series of catastrophic injuries from broken bones, burns, spinal injury, and mental anguish.

$31.5 Million Industrial / Workplace

Brain and spinal injuries followed an oil-field company failing to maintain equipment and provide a safe work site.

$17.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Client was struck head-on by a disconnected load of an 18-wheeler that crossed the median causing broken bones and amputation.

$13 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

On the interstate, an 18-wheeler failed to yield right of way then made an unsafe lane change causing the accident which resulted in major bone breaks, damaged organs, and ultimately a leg amputation.

$12.1 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

A commercial vehicle failed to stop at a red light subsequently crashing into our client causing serious brain injury and permanent loss of function.

$7 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

When the other vehicle struck our client, the result was a major hemorrhage and a stroke.

$7 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

An 18-wheeler cut across traffic on an illegal left turn and hit our client, who suffered neck and back injuries.

$6.2 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

A fatigued commercial-vehicle driver fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended our client, leaving our client with severe neck and back injuries.

$5 Million Wrongful Death

A hydraulic line exploded at a job site, taking the life of our client's loved one.

$4 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Our client's vehicle was struck by the at-fault vehicle, resulting in neck and back injuries.

$3.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Commercial vehicle collision. Details not publicly disclosed.

$3.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

While our client was stopped, the at-fault driver rear-ended our client's vehicle and set it on fire, leaving our client seriously hurt.

$3.1 Million Wrongful Death

An 18-wheeler caused a fatal collision that took the life of our client's loved one.

$3 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

A commercial vehicle struck and killed our client's loved one, who was on foot.

$3 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

Out on the highway, the at-fault driver hit our client.

$2.9 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

Our client was rear-ended by the other driver and seriously injured.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; each case is decided on its own facts. See our full case results.

Will I Get Fired or Blacklisted If I Sue an Employer for Offshore Injuries?

It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you because you exercised your legal rights after an offshore accident. If you are fired for filing an injury case, you could have a wrongful termination claim. If a former employer works to have you blacklisted, that may give rise to a retaliation claim as well.

Many employers will go through proper legal channels to resolve a case. Some will not. Having an attorney in your corner matters when an employer or opponent refuses to follow the rules.

Your Covington Injury Attorneys

Founding partners Trey Morris lead every Covington injury case Trey Morris Injury Lawyers takes.

Trey Morris
Founding Partner

When Do I Need a Covington Offshore Accident Lawyer?

A Covington offshore accident lawyer can determine fault and explain what laws apply to your situation. Your attorney can identify which claims you qualify for, gather supporting evidence, and pursue the full range of damages available under maritime and Louisiana law.

What clients say

★★★★★
The team here (Brian, Seth, Chelsea, and Jessica) have been amazing.
We were new to the area and hit by an impaired driver. Their support, guidance and friendship got us through a very difficult time. Thank you so much!
Pamela HughesCovington Office · Sep. 3, 2026
★★★★★
Working with Trey Morris and his team on my case was incredibly easy.
They kept me informed throughout the entire process and took care of everything for me. It was such a blessing not having to deal with the insurance companies myself. They were efficient, professional, and truly made the whole experience stress-free. I would highly recommend Trey Morris and his team to anyone needing an exceptional personal injury team.
eliCovington Office · Sep. 2, 2026
★★★★★
First time being injured and needing a lawyer they where very helpful.
They answered my questions Id have very well. Highly recommend them.
Sarah StarlingCovington Office · Jun. 5, 2026
★★★★★
Attorney Shavers & Sarah were awesome!
They made me feel important & as if I was their only client! A big thank you to the entire business.
Kimberly CapersCovington Office · Jun. 1, 2026
★★★★★
I was overwhelmed dealing with everything after my injury, but their team took a lot of the pressure off of me.
They were patient, answered all my questions, and made sure I understood what was happening.
Emma DvorakShreveport Office · Sep. 3, 2026
★★★★★
Great experience with the Trey Morris Injury Lawyers Ruston office.
The staff is friendly, helpful, and always willing to answer questions. Definitely recommend!
Jaime CarterRuston Office · Sep. 2, 2026

Reviews reflect individual client experiences. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

How Much Are Offshore Accident Settlements and Compensation?

The injuries, damage, and losses caused by a specific offshore accident will affect the value of a claim. What you can prove also matters. Successful offshore accident cases may include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium, among other losses.

The strength of your claim depends on the facts, the applicable law, and how well those facts are documented and presented.

Frequently Asked Questions

I live in St. Tammany Parish but was hurt offshore. Where is my case filed?: Where the case is filed depends on the claim, not on where you live. A Jones Act negligence claim can be filed in state court, including the 22nd Judicial District Court in Covington, or in federal court. LHWCA claims run through the federal Office of Workers' Compensation Programs rather than a courtroom. Third-party claims against a vessel owner, contractor, or manufacturer are filed where that defendant can be reached. We evaluate all three tracks from our Covington office before anything is filed.
What is the difference between the Jones Act and the LHWCA?: The Jones Act covers seamen: workers who spend roughly 30% or more of their time on a vessel in navigation and whose duties serve the vessel's function. It lets you sue your employer for negligence before a jury. The LHWCA covers maritime workers who do not meet that threshold, including platform and dock workers, through an administrative compensation system with no jury and no pain-and-suffering benefits. Third-party tort claims remain available to LHWCA workers under 33 U.S.C. 933.
How long do I have to file after an offshore accident?: It depends on the claim. Jones Act claims carry a three-year federal limitations period under 46 U.S.C. 30106. LHWCA claims require notice to the employer within 30 days and a formal claim within one year under 33 U.S.C. 913. OCSLA claims that borrow Louisiana law use the two-year period under La. C.C. Art. 3493.1. Several of these can run at once on the same accident.
What is maintenance and cure, and when does it start?: It starts the day a seaman is injured in the service of the vessel and continues until maximum medical improvement. Maintenance is a daily living allowance; cure is every medical expense reasonably related to the injury. The vessel owner owes both regardless of fault, and both are separate from any Jones Act negligence recovery. An employer that refuses to pay without justification can be liable for punitive damages.
Can I sue both my employer and a third party?: Jones Act seamen sue the employer directly for negligence and can also pursue third parties. LHWCA workers cannot sue their direct employer in tort, but 33 U.S.C. 933 preserves claims against equipment manufacturers, vessel owners, contractors, and other non-employers. Identifying every third party is often the difference between a capped recovery and a full one.
Can I be fired for filing an offshore injury claim?: Retaliating against a seaman for pursuing a Jones Act claim is prohibited under 46 U.S.C. 30105, and LHWCA workers have parallel protection under 33 U.S.C. 948a. If you were terminated, demoted, or pushed out after reporting an injury, keep the timeline and the paperwork; the retaliation is a separate claim on top of the injury.
What should I preserve after an offshore accident?: Report the injury to your supervisor and ask that an incident report be written. Photograph the scene, the equipment, and your injuries if you can do so safely. Keep every medical record and every message from the employer or its insurer, and write down witness names. Do not sign company paperwork or give a recorded statement to the company's adjuster before speaking with a lawyer. We send preservation demands for BSEE reports, vessel voyage data, maintenance logs, and drug-test results before retention schedules let them disappear.
The company doctor cleared me to go back, but I am still hurt. What now?: The company doctor works for the company, and that opinion is not binding on you. You may see an independent physician of your choosing, and in a maintenance-and-cure dispute the company doctor's finding is one piece of evidence, not the last word. Keep treating, document your symptoms, and talk to a lawyer before agreeing to return to work or signing any release tied to the medical determination.