What Do Maritime Lawyers Do?
Maritime law governs what happens on oceans and seas around the world. If you’re injured at sea due to someone else’s negligence, maritime law determines how you can claim any damages owed to you.
What Do Maritime Lawyers Do?
Maritime lawyers determine who is responsible for a client’s injuries and whether compensation is available for the harm sustained. They fully understand maritime laws and regulations and how they might apply to a client’s case.
- A maritime lawyer can represent you if you are a seaman and you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
- Given that seamen can’t claim Workers’ Compensation, a maritime lawyer can help you claim any compensation payable under the Jones Act – the law which allows maritime workers to claim damages for injuries at sea.
If someone e.g. an employer owed you a duty of care, and they breached this duty e.g. they failed to provide you with a safe working environment, your lawyer can help you claim damages for associated losses such as medical bills and lost income.
What Is a Maritime Injury?
In the US, a maritime injury is any injury sustained on or around “navigable waters”. The most common types of maritime accidents which result in injury include:
- chemical exposure
- defective clothing
- equipment malfunctions
- fires and explosions
- loading accidents
- slips, trips, and falls
Maritime injuries may occur on a dock or peir, at sea, or on an offshore platform e.g. an oil rig. The types of injuries sustained include:
- burns
- broken bones
- cuts and bruising
- frostbite
- head injuries
- muscle strains
- nerve damage
- tendon injuries
Serious accidents may cause severe injuries including amputation and spinal cord damage. In the worst cases, maritime accidents lead to fatalities.
What Should I Do After a Maritime Accident?
- Tell your employer what happened so the incident is recorded.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, any relevant equipment, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention even if you think you only have minor injuries – some more serious conditions take a few hours or days to manifest.
- If anyone else saw what happened, check if they’re happy to provide witness statements if necessary.
As soon as possible, consult an experienced maritime attorney. Even if you’re not sure whether you want to claim compensation, a maritime lawyer will ensure you understand your options.
How Can Maritime Lawyers Help Me?
There are three reasons why you need a knowledgeable maritime attorney to help with your accident at sea.
- Maritime laws are complex, but a maritime lawyer can explain, in simple terms, how these laws apply to your situation.
- A maritime lawyer knows how to interpret the accident scene to help you build the strongest possible case.
- Maritime lawyers can quickly identify any weaknesses in your case and suggest how you might overcome these difficulties.
Houston Maritime Lawyers | Alexander Law Firm
If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, then you need advice from an experienced attorney. At the Alexander Law Firm, a maritime accident attorney will use their knowledge of this complex legal area to evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim. For a free initial consultation with a Houston maritime lawyer, call now on 800-350-5110 or complete our contact form.