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Maritime Injury Lawsuit Overview

When someone passes away or gets injured at sea, they could find themselves at a loss over what they should do. This feeling is not uncommon, because it seems that the law would have little to no power when someone is off land. Well, fortunately, this just isn’t true. Maritime law is a collection of laws that control the rights of workers at sea. Maritime laws cover the personal injury and death of those who are at sea.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an offshore accident, contact a maritime lawyer today. Under the maritime law you may be eligible to compensation.

Maritime law is actually very similar to workers’ compensation in that it provides assistance to those who have been hurt or have gotten ill while offshore. Nobody working offshore should have to deal with a serious condition that could alter their lives and keep them from making a living. It is important for these workers to remember that they have their rights and can seek compensation.

• The Jones Act - Established in 1920, The Jones Act gives the surviving members of the sea workers’ family the right to sue the sea workers’ employer for compensation.
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act - Established in 1927, this act ensures that workers injured or contracting a work-related illness could receive compensation for treatment and lost time at work.
• The Death on the High Seas Act - The Death on High Seas Act grants the surviving family the chance to sure their lost loved one’s employer for compensation related to lost wages and general pain and suffering.

Despite all these laws being in place, maritime law & admiralty lawsuits can be a very confusing area to navigate. It is best to consider hiring an experienced lawyer in the field that can help make the process easier. There could also be a statute of limitations on your case so it is also best to act quickly!

Maritime Administration Compilation of FAQs Maritime Laws as an essential reference.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer. The FMC protects the public from financial harm, and contributes to the integrity and security of the U.S. supply chain and transportation system. Learn more on: FMC Laws overview

The principal statutes administered by the Commission, now codified in Title 46 of the U.S. Code at sections 40101 through 44106, are:

• The Shipping Act of 1984, as amended by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998
• The Foreign Shipping Practices Act of 1988
• Section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920
• Sections 2 and 3 of Pub. L. No. 89-777, 80 stat.1350

It is important to report any injury. The federal maritime law requires seamen that are injured to report and or document any work on the job related accident injury within 7 days, but you shouldn't wait that so long. In most cases it may be best to contact a lawyer for a Jones Act case if the insurer is not paying your maintenance and injury issues, if you are having delay with medical attention and treatment, or if the potential lawsuit amount of the case is more than approximately $10,000 - $25,000.

You never really want to settle a Jones Act realated case until you finish your medical care and treatments as when it has reached a point of maximum medical improvement.

Have you or someone you know has been injured in an offshore accident, if so, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a maritime lawyer in your area today.