Maritime Law Accident Attorneys: Lawyers That Fight for the Rights of Injured Seamen

When most people think about lawyers, the first thing that comes to mind is courtrooms and criminal cases. However, maritime law accident attorneys are a different breed of lawyers altogether. While criminal law may be their area of expertise, these attorneys also specialize in personal injury law, and more specifically, maritime accidents.

Maritime accidents can include any type of accident that occurs on a vessel or ship – from collisions with other boats or ships to falls overboard or injuries caused by faulty equipment. No matter what the cause of the accident may be, if you are injured as a result, you need an experienced maritime law accident attorney on your side to fight for your rights.

The laws governing maritime accidents are complex and often differ from state to state. This is why it’s so important to have an attorney who understands these maritime laws inside and out and knows how to navigate them effectively on your behalf.

If you have been injured in a maritime accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a qualified maritime law accident attorney today for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and they will be able to help you get the justice you deserve.

Commercial Boating and Maritime Accidents

There are many types of maritime accidents, but some of the most common include:

• Commercial boating accidents – These accidents can occur on any type of commercial vessel, from ferries and cruise ships to cargo ships and fishing boats. If you’ve been injured in a commercial boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
• Maritime worker accidents – If you are employed in the maritime industry, you may be covered by the Jones Act. This act provides protection for workers who are injured while working on a vessel. If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act.
• Recreational boating accidents – These accidents can occur on any type of recreational vessel, from sailboats and powerboats to jet skis and pontoon boats. If you’ve been injured in a recreational boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

No matter what maritime accident you have been involved in, an experienced maritime accident attorney will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.

What are Some Common Maritime Accidents?

Though maritime accidents can take many different forms, there are some that are more common than others. Some of the most frequent maritime accidents include:

1. Falls overboard

Your risk of falling overboard is greatest when the ship is underway and you are working on deck. Unfortunately, this is also when most maritime accidents occur. There are many ways to fall overboard, including being hit by a large wave, being swept off deck by high winds, or tripping and falling over the ship’s rail.

2. Capsizing or sinking of a vessel

Capsizing occurs when a vessel turns onto its side or upside down and is unable to right itself. This can be caused by a number of factors, including severe weather conditions, overloading the vessel beyond its capacity, or taking on water due to hull damage.

3. Collisions between vessels

Collisions can occur when two vessels collide with each other, or when a vessel collides with an object in the water (such as a rock or another ship). Collisions can often be avoided if the proper lookout is maintained and the vessel’s course is correctly plotted.

4. Explosions or fires onboard ship

When flammable materials are used onboard ships, there is always the risk of an explosion or fire. These accidents can often be avoided by following proper safety procedures and using only non-flammable materials.

5. Machinery accidents

The maritime industry relies heavily on machinery, and accidents can occur when this machinery is not used correctly. Common machinery accidents include being caught in or between moving parts, being struck by flying objects, or exposure to hazardous chemicals.

6. Lifting accidents

Lifting accidents can occur when crew members are lifting heavy objects without proper assistance or using the correct lifting techniques. These accidents can often be avoided by using proper safety procedures and following the ship’s lifting regulations.

7. Dockworker accidents

Your risk of being injured as a dockworker is greatest when loading or unloading cargo. Common accidents include being struck by falling objects, being crushed by moving cargo, or slipping and falling on the dock.

8. Personal watercraft (PWC) accidents

Personal watercraft are small, fast boats that are often used for recreation. Unfortunately, they can also be involved in serious accidents. Common PWC accidents include collision with another vessel or object, capsizing, and being ejected from the craft.

9. Scuba diving and snorkeling accidents

Though scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities, they can also be dangerous. Some accidents include drowning, being crushed by waves, or suffering from an illness due to contaminated water.

These are just a few of the most common types of maritime accidents that can occur. If you have been injured in any type of maritime accident, it is important to seek out the help of a knowledgeable maritime accident attorney who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

What are the Major Causes of Maritime Accidents?

There are many different factors that can contribute to a maritime accident. Some of the most common causes of maritime accidents include:

1. Human error

Human error is one of the most common causes of maritime accidents. This can include errors made by the vessel’s captain, crew, or dock workers. Examples of human error include poor decision-making, fatigue, intoxication, and inexperience.

2. Equipment failure

Equipment failure is another common cause of maritime accidents. This can include failures of the vessel’s machinery or navigational equipment. Examples of equipment failures include engine failure, steering failure, and communications failure.

3. Weather conditions

Severe weather conditions can also contribute to maritime accidents. This can include high winds, rough seas, and storms.

4. Poorly maintained vessels

If a vessel is not properly maintained, it is more likely to be involved in an accident. Poorly maintained vessels often have faulty equipment, structural problems, and bad weathering.

5. Improper loading or unloading of cargo

If cargo is not loaded or unloaded properly, it can shift during the voyage and cause the vessel to become unstable. This can lead to capsizing, collision, or sinking.

These are just a few of the most common causes of maritime accidents.

What Are Your Rights as a Seaman?

If you have been injured in a maritime accident, you may be wondering what your rights are. As a seaman, you have certain rights that are guaranteed by law. These rights include the right to:

1. Receive medical treatment

After a maritime accident, you have the right to receive prompt and adequate medical treatment. If you are unable to receive treatment onboard the vessel, you should be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible.

2. Receive maintenance and cure

Maintenance is a daily allowance to cover your living expenses while you are receiving medical treatment for your injuries. The cure is the medical treatment itself. As a seaman, you are entitled to receive both maintenance and cure until you reach maximum medical improvement.

3. Bring a lawsuit against your employer

In most cases, you will be able to bring a lawsuit against your employer if you have been injured in a maritime accident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. You should speak with a maritime accident attorney to find out if you are eligible to bring a lawsuit against your employer.

4. Receive compensation for your injuries

If you have been injured in a maritime accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. This compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

5. Receive death benefits

If you lose a loved one in a maritime accident, you may be entitled to receive death benefits. These benefits can include funeral expenses and lost wages.

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What are Some Common Injuries Sustained in Maritime Accidents?

Working on the open seas is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Every year, maritime accidents claim the lives of thousands of workers and leave many more injured.

If you've been hurt in a maritime accident, you need an experienced maritiem law attorney on your side who understands the unique challenges of these cases. At The Injury Firm, we have represented injured maritime workers for over 20 years and we know what it takes to get the compensation you deserve.

Some of the most common injuries our clients suffer include:

1. Traumatic brain injuries: Due to the nature of maritime accidents, traumatic brain injuries are common. These injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe injuries that result in long-term disability.

2. Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis and often require lifelong care.

3. Burns: When maritime accidents involve fires or explosions, burns are common injuries. These injuries can be extremely painful and often require extensive medical treatment.

4. Amputations: In some maritime accidents, workers may lose limbs due to crushing injuries or explosions.

5. Internal organ damage: Maritime accidents can cause serious internal organ damage. This damage may require surgery or long-term medical treatment.

6. Broken bones: Broken bones are common injuries in maritime accidents. These injuries may require surgery or long-term care.

7. Psychological injuries: Maritime accidents can be traumatic and often result in psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These are just some of the injuries that our clients have suffered in maritime accidents.

What Should You Do After a Maritime Accident?

If you have been involved in a maritime accident, there are some important steps you should take to protect your rights. These steps include:

1. Seek medical attention

The first step you should take after a maritime accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you don't think you are seriously injured, it's important to have a medical professional evaluate your condition.

Your employer should provide you with access to a doctor who is familiar with maritime law. However, if you are not comfortable with the doctor your employer has chosen, you have the right to seek treatment from a different medical professional.

2. Report the accident

You should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. You should also file an accident report with the U.S. Coast Guard.

3. Speak to a maritime law accident attorney

After you have sought medical attention and reported the accident, you should speak to a maritime accident attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options under maritime law.

4. Do not sign anything

After a maritime accident, your employer or their insurance company will to get documents signed from you. These documents may release them from liability or waive your right to file a claim.

Do not sign any documents until you have spoken to an attorney.

5. Do not give a statement

Your employer or their insurance company may also try to get you to give a recorded statement about the accident.

It's important to understand that anything you say in a recorded statement can be used against you.

If you give a recorded statement, the insurance company may try to use your words to deny your claim or minimize the amount of compensation you receive.

For these reasons, it's best to avoid giving a recorded statement. If you are asked to give a statement, you should politely decline and ask to speak to an attorney.

6. Preserve evidence

If you have been involved in a maritime accident, it's important to preserve any evidence that may be related to the accident. This evidence may include:

• Photos of the accident scene
• Photos of your injuries
• The names and contact information of witnesses
• Medical records
• Documentation of lost wages

This evidence can be crucial in proving your claim. An experienced maritime accident attorney can help you gather and preserve this evidence.

7. File a claim

If you have been injured in a maritime accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

You should not hesitate to file a claim if you have been injured in a maritime accident. An experienced maritime accident attorney can help you understand the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Contact a Maritime Law Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, contact the maritime accident lawyers at The Injury Firm. Our attorneys have represented victims of maritime accidents all over the world, and we are ready to fight for you.

We offer free consultations, and we do not charge a fee unless we recover compensation for our clients. Call us today at 954-951-0000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our maritime accident lawyers.