Maritime & Offshore

Offshore and maritime injury cases can be complicated, and it is important you choose an attorney with full knowledge of the numerous and specific laws that may apply. Mr. Dozier has many years of experience handling maritime offshore and admiralty cases, including the Jones Act, General Maritime Law unseaworthiness claims (for seaman), General Maritime Law tort claims (for non-seaman), Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, Section 905(b) claims for vessel negligence (for certain longshoremen), Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and Death on the High Seas Act. Simply put, he has the experience and knowledge to effectively handle all claims arising from the Gulf of Mexico and the many rivers, waterways and bays throughout Louisiana.

Maritime and offshore accidents and injuries frequently occur on drilling barges, pipeline barges, semi-submersible platforms (floaters), jack-up drilling rigs, lift boats, and other vessels (crew boats, supply boats, tug boats, push boats) related to oil and gas exploration and production. Given the law of gravity, the majority of injuries relate to falls of every kind and lifts of every kind. The manner and mechanics of getting aboard the vessel and disembarking are called ingress & egress cases and are also quite frequent as the gangplanks and ramps get abused and neglected until the next serious injury!

State law claims exist for accidents and injuries that occur on fixed offshore platforms (those standing on the water bottom) in state waters (and in federal waters (through the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act)).

The most common injuries sustained in maritime cases include:

• Burn injuries
• Loss of limbs
• Loss of hands/fingers
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Back injuries
• Broken bones
• Loss of hearing

Mr. Dozier has an in-depth understanding of maritime law including the Jones Act, the General Maritime Law, the Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Death on the High Seas Act. This allows Mr. Dozier to provide you with thorough and effective representation in handling claims in either state or federal court.

Over the years Mr. Dozier has successfully represented a wide range of injured maritime workers including deckhands, tankermen, pilots, engineers, oilers, and drilling crew members aboard jack-ups and semisubmersibles. He has represented welders, fitters, laborers, helpers, cooks, galley hands, floor hands, roustabouts, drillers and a captain. Whether you are a blue-water seaman, a brown-water seaman or a dock-based worker, there are special rights and claims that may apply to your case. Mr. Dozier has represented hundreds of maritime workers in all of the federal courts in Louisiana and throughout the many State courts in Louisiana. He will interview and consult with you to determine your employment status (which determines the type of claim you possess) and will advocate, negotiate, and, if necessary, litigate on your behalf to recover all of the damages that you deserve.

Mr. Dozier is dedicated to helping the victims of maritime accidents maintain their lives after they suffer a serious injury or other tragic event. Once he accepts your case, he will provide you with financial support for vital medical care – and he can also help you find a physician, if needed. In addition, he provides counseling, support and guidance throughout your case. And just as importantly, he will handle all aspects of dealing with insurance companies, filing your legal claim and litigating your case from start to finish.