Hurt While Working at Sea? Speak With a Maritime Attorney

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Maritime accidents remain a significant concern in both California and Florida. In 2023, Florida reported 659 boating accidents, leading the nation in such incidents. Notably, 28% of these accidents were collisions with fixed objects, and July was identified as the most dangerous month, with 100 accidents reported. California also experiences its share of maritime incidents, with the U.S. Coast Guard documenting various marine casualties along its coast, including a main engine space fire on the container ship President Eisenhower in the Santa Barbara Channel in April 2021. If you've been injured while working at sea, scheduling a free consultation by searching maritime attorneys near me can be a crucial first step. 

These professionals can help you understand your rights, assess the specifics of your case, and guide you through the legal process to pursue the compensation you deserve. Taking advantage of a free consultation ensures you're informed and prepared to navigate the complexities of your situation with confidence.

Learn More About Maritime Tort Law

Maritime law, also called admiralty law, governs activities and incidents on navigable waters. This includes cases such as personal injury claims for individuals injured at sea. Maritime law also provides safety and compensation for maritime workers. Victims should know about these laws to navigate the legal challenges and get justice.

Types Of Maritime Workers

The maritime industry is broad, ranging from seafarers serving on massive vessels to working on small fishing boats or oil rigs. Each position has certain risks. People can work as deckhands, engineers, captains, divers, etc. Similarly, offshore workers may be exposed to specific hazards that their environment presents. Each of these roles is significant for the maritime industry, and it is important to know its unique challenges.

Common Maritime Injuries

People working at sea are exposed to different risks, which can result in injuries. This includes incidents that may occur to other employees, like slip-and-fall incidents or accidents involving hazardous equipment or toxic substances. These accidents can lead to fractures, concussions, or worse, death. Sometimes, injury does not occur instantly but develops from repetitive stress or prolonged exposure to harsh conditions.

The Legal Rights Of Injured Maritime Workers

Maritime law provides particular rights for injured maritime workers. Among the most significant protections is the right to maintenance and cure, which encompasses medical and living expenses while recovering. Furthermore, the Jones Act provides for recovery if a seaman is injured due to their employer's negligence. These elements of law are essential for people trying to deal with the aftermath of a sea-related workplace injury.

What Is A Maritime Attorney?

The outcome of a claim can vary depending on whether a maritime attorney is hired. These attorneys focus on the subtleties of maritime law and know how complicated such cases can be. They can help the injured navigate legal processes, protect their rights, and ensure that nothing less than fair compensation is provided to the affected parties. A lawyer might also assist in collecting evidence, negotiating with employers or insurance businesses, and representing workers in court if required.

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What To Do When Injured

In the case of an injury, acting quickly is key to the success of a claim. Reporting the incident to a supervisor is essential, as doing so helps establish a paper trail. For example, photos of the scene and statements from witnesses can be collected later to help move the case forward. It's also essential to keep careful records of medical treatments, expenses, and any communications connected to the injury. A maritime attorney will know how to respond to the situation and what steps to take next, so contacting them early can be helpful.

Problems Connected To Maritime Injury Cases

Maritime injury cases tend to be more complicated due (in part) to various jurisdictions with conflicting laws. Liability is not apparent, and there are multiple negligent parties. Furthermore, employers and insurance companies work hard to try to minimize compensation. Battling these challenges to achieve justice is not easy, and living with deficits is not easy either. The complexities of maritime cases make an expert attorney an even greater necessity.

Conclusion

Sea jobs are risky, and injuries can change a life forever, not just that of an individual but also that of a family. Learning about maritime law is crucial if someone is hurt on the job. Get medical help and document what happened. Get a maritime attorney to ensure you are compensated for your injuries and your legal rights are protected. These steps can help injured maritime workers seek justice for their injuries and recover in peace.

By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Adobestock