The San Juan Islands are a popular tourist destination sitting between Washington State and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The islands are known for their irresistible natural beauty and recreational opportunities such as sea kayaking and orca whale-watching. There are no bridges to the San Juan Islands, and the most common way to get to them is by boat. Multiple ferry systems are present to serve transportation purposes including Washington State Ferries, the Puget Sound Express, and Clipper Navigation’s Victoria Clipper, San Juan Cruises, and North Shore Charters.
Additionally, the San Juan Islands are in close proximity to a number of major shipping channels like the Rosario Strait and the Haro Strait, which connect ports to large waterways in the Pacific Northwest. With its significance in marine activity, the San Juan Islands are home to many workers in the maritime industry. These diligent men and women contribute a great deal to the region’s economy and wellbeing.
There are many hazards on the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands, dictated by shifting weather patterns and riptides. These conditions can create risk for those working and playing among the island, including ferry workers, tour boat mariners, water taxi crew, and pleasure boaters. When maritime workers in the San Juan Islands are harmed on the job, it is critical that they know about their rights. Many times injured mariners can seek justice through the state or federal court systems. An experienced and knowledgeable maritime lawyer with Mariner Law, PLLC can help clients in tough situations achieve rightful compensation.
Working on or near the waterways of the San Juan Islands can involve conditions that result in maritime employee injury or illness, especially when employer or vessel-related negligence is involved. Common negligence-related injuries may include:
Falling overboard
Slip, trip, and fall accidents
Burns
Fractures
Exposure to dangerous toxins
Amputations
Crush injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Drowning
Wrongful death
You may have rights to compensation if you are harmed as a member of the maritime industry. Congress granted certain seamen and amphibious workers the opportunity to file claims against responsible ship owners, crew members, and third parties who may have created conditions that lead to harmful incidents through laws like the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Another important provision of maritime law is Maintenance and Cure, which can give an injured mariner financial support for room, board, and medical expenses through recovery from an accident.
Mariner Law, PLLC can provide a seasoned maritime lawyer to help navigate the complicated maritime injury claims system. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an admiralty attorney to discuss getting adequate compensation. To find out what Mariner Law, PLLC can do to help you or a loved one, call (253) 600-2531 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Washington maritime lawyer.
An offshore attorney may also be available to meet by appointment in the firm's Mount Vernon office (406 S 1st St. #300 Mount Vernon, WA 98273).