A maritime lawyer specializes in the legal issues arising from waterborne accidents. These include injuries on commercial and recreational boats, oil rigs, fishing vessels, and other marine activities.
Maritime law is a large and complex field of law that covers international commerce, maritime laws, and more. A maritime lawyer helps injured individuals and families seek compensation for losses caused by accidents on the water.
Disputes and Transactions
International, federal, and state laws are all present in the complicated field of maritime law. These laws govern the transport of goods, passengers, and cargo by boat across the world’s oceans.
Depending on the specifics of a dispute, maritime law can cover anything from contract disputes to employment issues. Maritime lawyers, like those at Charles D. Naylor Law, also help develop new rules and regulations for the industry.
A maritime lawyer’s duties include ensuring ships and trawlers follow laws and keep people safe on board. They can also ensure that clients’ and passengers’ rights are protected.
Disputes and transactions can be resolved through arbitration or appeal. These proceedings can be done both in court or before an agency.
Jones Act Claims
If you’re injured while working on a ship or any vessel more or less permanently connected to navigation, you can make a Jones Act claim. This federal law provides workers in maritime industries, like fishermen, tug and barge workers, pile drivers, ferry boat workers, masters, mates, and pilots, with statutory rights to sue their employers in the event of negligence or unseaworthiness while working offshore.
The Jones Act also requires maritime employers to provide seamen with “reasonably safe” working conditions and exercise “ordinary care” to ensure the vessel remains safe. In a Jones Act case, the plaintiff only needs to prove that their employer’s breach played at least a small part in the accident–which is much easier to do than it is in other types of personal injury cases.
Choosing the right attorney to handle your maritime injury or wrongful death claim is essential for success. A qualified lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Insurance Claims
If you have been injured while on a boat, ship, or dock, it is essential to understand that particular laws are in place to protect those who work or travel on the water. These are known as maritime laws and apply to seamen, commercial fishermen, passengers, and guests who can make claims against the responsible parties and their insurance companies.
If a marine accident caused you to suffer an injury, you might be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In addition, if you are a seaman, you may also be eligible for maintenance and cure, compensating for your living expenses while recovering from on-the-job injuries.
Filing a Lawsuit
You might need to file a lawsuit if you or a loved one sustains injuries while working on a boat or other vessel. It can happen in state and federal courts, depending on the specifics of your case.
Maritime lawyers are often employed by law firms specializing in these cases. They work in private practice or for a shipping company and are highly specialized in admiralty and maritime law.
Attorneys in this niche can enjoy a rewarding career as they handle complex cases requiring specialized knowledge and expertise. They may also find personal and professional satisfaction in helping clients navigate a wide range of legal issues that relate to maritime law.
Whether you seek damages for injuries or want to sue an employer or vessel owner for negligent actions resulting in a loss or injury, a qualified maritime lawyer can help you get what you deserve. You can start filing a lawsuit by scheduling a free consultation with an experienced attorney who will help you understand your rights and options.
