Maritime injuries are injuries and illnesses suffered on the navigable waters of the United States, usually resulting from the negligence of a vessel owner, vessel operator, crewmember, passenger, or some other shoreside activity. Anyone on a vessel can become the victim of a maritime injury. This includes captains, officers, deckhands, commercial fishermen, leisure boaters, pilots, tankermen, cooks, engineers, and commercial divers. Importantly, the person suffering that injury may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Maritime injuries can create complex issues under the law. That's why it's important to get help from a seasoned maritime attorney.
For as long as mankind has taken to the seas, mariners have become victims of injury offshore. Injuries range from minor, to severe, and even deadly. Some maritime jobs are riskier than others, the vessel owners still owe their workers a seaworthy vessel and passengers the duty of reasonable care under the circumstances. Admiralty lawyers work with all kinds of salty clients with all sorts of injuries. Common personal injury claims arise from:
Amputated Fingers
Arm Injuries
Back Injuries
Blindness
Brain Injuries
Broken Bones
Burn Injuries
Cancer
Crush Injuries
Drowning
Electrical Shock
Foot Injuries
Frostbite
Hand Injuries
Head Injuries
Hypothermia Injuries
Knee Injuries
Leg Injuries
Hearing Loss
Lost Limbs
Lung Disease/Mesothelioma
Neck Injuries
Shoulder Injuries
Given the necessity of maritime work in the United States, Congress determined that it was vital to safeguard merchant mariners. Enter the Jones Act. If you are a seaman, you are entitled to a safe workplace. It does not matter if you are a commercial fisherman, deckhand or any other related occupation, you know the risks that come with the task, and you are likely entitled to compensation when you are harmed in a way that could have been prevented by your employers. You can be sure that the vessel owner, maritime employer, and their respective insurance companies have retained people who know maritime law. They will do everything they can to protect their bottom line, translating to less compensation for you.
Contacting a maritime lawyer is a step towards keeping an expert on maritime law in your corner too. You've already been hurt on the job, you shouldn't now have to fight for compensation all alone. An experienced admiralty attorney can educate you on the law and possible outcomes based on the facts of your case. The goal is to ensure that you don't get taken advantage of.
Mariner Law, PLLC exclusively represents injured mariners and their surviving family members. The firm never represents insurance companies or vessel owners. Nor does the firm normally take on non-maritime cases. Protect your interests and speak with a maritime lawyer today. Consultation doesn't cost a dime and there's no obligation. You may be entitled to money damages or compensation for medical expenses. Call (888) 572-1717 to hear more.
Mariner Law, PLLC is proud to serve mariner injury clientele in Oregon, Alaska, Washington, New York, Connecticut, and Louisiana. The firm also maintains offices for in-person consultation with a Jones Act lawyer by appointment at: