If you have had an injury while at sea, you may need the services of a Marine Lawyer. A marine lawyer can help you get compensation for such personal injuries such as broken bones and fractures, exposure to ammonia, slip and fall, FELA death with negligence, traumatic asthma attacks, back injuries, vessel sinking, unseaworthy vessels, falling overboard, amputations, passenger ferry injuries, injuries sustained by tugboat crew, factory trawler workers, deckhands, engineers, cooks, tendermen, crabbers, processors, skippers, captains, recreational boaters, cruise ship staff and guests, longshoremen, and oil rig workers.
Maritime injuries should not be treated as a workers compensation claim, but should be investigated under Federal Law, including The Jones Act and general maritime law.
You should speak with a maritime attorney who can prepare your claim, negotiate to obtain the maximum benefits to which you are entitled and assist you in finding appropriate medical treatment.
If you and your lawyer are unable to reach an agreement with your employer and/or insurer/adjuster, you may have a right to take your case to a judge or jury. Cases such as wrongful denial of maintenance, unpaid wages due or failure to provide medical treatment, may be fast-tracked for court appearances.
A claim can be handled by 1) direct negotiations with your employer or insurance adjuster; 2) filing a law suit; or 3) legal proceedings before a state or federal agency. A court case can take from a few weeks, to well over 12 months to resolve. Waiting for a claim to resolve can be very frustrating. Having a lawyer who will actively pursue maintenance, disability payment, wages due under contract, or unpaid bonuses, can be a great benefit. It is important to find an attorney that will fight for your rights.
Accidents at Sea Updates
Boat Accident Lawsuits
If you think that maritime laws apply only to people who are working when they are involved in boat accidents then you may be surprised to learn that these laws actually cover passengers and recreational boaters as well. In fact, injuries that occur to cruise ship and ferry passengers can be litigated under general maritime laws.
Boat Accident Lawsuits Complicated
For seamen who are injured in boat accidents, lawsuits against the parties responsible can be complicated. However, in many cases lawsuits are required to ensure that the injured person receives the compensation that he or she is entitled to. Injuries sustained onboard marine vessels can be debilitating, making it vital that the responsible parties fulfill their obligations to those who are injured.
Accidents at Sea in the News
MAY-13-08: A woman whose husband was killed in the Staten Island Ferry Crash has settled her wrongful death lawsuit for $1.4 million. Eleven people died in the
boat accident. [
LIVE: BOAT ACCIDENT]
MAY-11-08: Haiti ferry capsizes, killing more than 20 people, while dozens more are missing. [
AFP: FERRY SINKING KILLS PASSENGERS]
MAY-03-08: Victims of the Sea Hauler accident in 2003 which killed 4 and injured 25 when a crane collapsed, will be awarded $1 million compensation. [
BAHAMA JOURNAL: BOAT ACCIDENT COMPENSATION]
AUG-17-07: Village mourns after the fishing vessel Kotuki sank, killing six of its crew members. [
ONE NEWS: SHIPPING ACCIDENT]
Boating Accident Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a boating accident, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer who will evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
