Maritime work is arguably the most dangerous work industry in the United States. Maritime workers face regular hazards that employees in other occupations never experience. It is true that responsible employers and a well-trained crew create a safer work environment for maritime employees, but even a single mistake can lead to an offshore disaster. Unfortunately, maritime accident injuries are often catastrophic and devastating.
If you have been injured in a maritime accident, your right to compensation might be governed by the Jones Act or other maritime laws. Attorneys at CaseyGerry represent seamen and other maritime workers who have been injured on the job. Maritime law is complicated, and recovering compensation for offshore injuries should only be handled by attorneys who know the laws and have experience representing clients in maritime injury matters.
Maritime Injury Practice
- Our attorneys are dedicated to maximizing compensation for every personal injury client. We know that our clients were injured because of someone else’s wrongful conduct, and we fight for the compensation they need to help them recover from their injuries and move forward with their lives.
- Our attorneys undertake all of the financial risks of litigation. We take our cases on a contingency fee basis so that our clients do not have to come up with the money to pursue their personal injury claims. We do not collect any attorneys’ fees until you have secured compensation for your injuries and damages.
- With decades of experience representing injured clients, our attorneys have developed an extensive knowledge of maritime injuries and the applicable laws. We know what it takes to prove maritime injury claims and how to guide our clients through the legal process with efficiency and compassion.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act, provides protections to seamen who have been injured on the job. In general, maritime workers who spend at least 30% of their employment on seafaring vessels qualify as seamen under the Jones Act. If you fail to meet the definition of a seaman, the Jones Act will not apply to your case, but you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries under another maritime law.
The Jones Act outlines benefits for injured seamen based on accident circumstances. Injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits, regardless of who was responsible for the accident. In some cases, injured workers may seek additional compensation when an employer or coworker caused the accident.
Maintenance and Cure Benefits
To qualify for maintenance and cure benefits, seamen only need to prove that they were injured while working. Maintenance benefits are compensation for daily living expenses, such as mortgage payments, utility expenses, and groceries. Cure benefits include medical expenses related to maritime injuries, such as medication expenses, medical bills, and transportation costs for medical appointments.
Additional Jones Act Compensation
The Jones Act also provides additional compensation to injured workers who can prove that their accident was at least partially caused by their employer or a coworker’s negligence. Proving negligence under the Jones Act does not require that the other person’s negligence was the sole cause or even the main cause of your injuries.
If you can prove that your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may qualify for compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Death benefits
- In some cases, punitive damages
Other Maritime Injury Laws
Other laws that may apply to maritime injury accidents are the Death on the High Seas Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
The Death on the High Seas Act provides a legal remedy for those who have lost a loved one in a fatal maritime accident. This Act applies in cases where the accident, caused by someone other than the decedent, occurred three or more miles from the shoreline. Recoverable compensation for surviving family members may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of services, and loss of inheritance.
The Longshore And Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act covers accidents and injuries suffered by employees in traditional maritime work, such as harbor workers, longshore workers, and shipbuilders. Seamen are specifically excluded from recovering compensation under this Act. Benefits are similar to regular workers’ compensation and may include disability benefits, medical expenses, and vocational rehabilitation.
Common Types And Causes Of Maritime Accidents
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Electrocution
- Equipment malfunctions and defects
- Fires
- Drowning
- Crane and lift accidents
- Slip and Fall incidents
- Unseaworthy vessels
- Negligent crew training
- Equipment or vessel operator intoxication
- Asbestos exposure
Maritime Accident Injuries
Maritime injuries range in severity, depending on the type of accident that occurred. Common injuries include head and brain injuries, spinal cord damage, neck and back injuries, and broken bones. Other injuries such as burns, smoke inhalation, and diseases from fire and exposure to hazardous materials are also common. The value of your injury claim depends on the extent and severity of your injuries. In general, claim values are higher for more extensive injuries.
Medical and rehabilitation expenses for maritime injuries are often significant, and when injuries are permanent, long-term medical care may be required. The impact of these expenses, disability accommodations, and other injury-related costs can be compounded when permanent injuries impair your ability to return to work.
Maritime Injury Attorneys
We know that maritime injuries can be stressful and overwhelming for injured workers and their families, but when you have experienced and aggressive legal representation, the financial recovery process is more manageable. Your attorney will handle all of the filing requirements, settlement negotiations, and case preparation.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a maritime accident, contact an attorney at CaseyGerry to schedule a free consultation. Maritime laws are complex, and claims are subject to strict filing deadlines. If you miss the deadline to file your case, you may lose your right to compensation for your injuries and damages. Our maritime injury attorneys will discuss your accident and potential legal recovery options.
