Skip to main content
Maritime workers face uniquely dangerous situations. Preventing accidents in this industry requires a great deal of caution and training. Workers and employers must also follow all safety protocols. If your employer fails to provide an environment that is reasonably safe for workers, there will be a heightened risk of serious harm and potential for fatal accidents.
When it comes to maritime accidents, there are specific laws in place that may impact an injury claim. An Atascocita maritime injury lawyer will help you understand your rights seek the compensation you deserve. Our diligent accident attorneys will guide you through every step of your case.
Types of Maritime Workers
Maritime workers are a broad category of employees who work on the water. The following individuals can all be considered maritime workers:
- Seamen
- Harbor workers
- Dockworkers
- Longshoremen
- Shipbuilders
- The crew on a cruise ship
If you work in any of these professions and suffered an on-the-job injury, you should seek help from a lawyer familiar with maritime accidents.
Common Maritime Accidents and Injuries in Atascocita
Many types of accidents can take place on the water, but some are more common than others. Whether you work on a cruise ship, dock, or fishing vessel, the water can be a dangerous place to work. Our maritime injury attorneys can help you seek damages for accidents such as:
- Slip and falls on deck
- Accidents on a pier or dock
- Falls overboard
- Drownings
- Chemical burns
- Explosions and fires
- Asphyxiation
A diligent lawyer can work with you to assess the evidence and advise you on how to proceed with a settlement claim.
The Aftermath of a Maritime Accident
Following a maritime accident, you should record as many details about the incident as possible and seek medical care. Delaying treatment puts you at greater risk of severe injury. Additionally, the at-fault party may try to question the severity of your injury to avoid paying a settlement. You should not accept any settlement offers or provide recorded statements to the other party without speaking to an attorney.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a law that protects seamen by allowing them to sue their employers when they suffer injuries. To qualify, you must spend much of your work-time on a vessel that is in navigation. In navigation means on the water, in operation, or capable of moving. The definition excludes individuals working on stationary oil rigs.
If you qualify under the Jones Act, you do not necessarily have to file a lawsuit. Many cases settle without ever going to trial. An Atascocita accident attorney can help you negotiate a settlement for your maritime injury.
Costs and Expenses Related to Maritime Injuries
A severe injury on the water can put you and your family in a tough position. Your injury may require hospitalization, rehabilitation, emotional counseling, and in-home care. If the condition is permanent, you may experience a loss of earning capacity.
In a successful claim, you can negotiate compensation for medical costs, lost income, property damage, and other non-economic losses. A seasoned attorney can take the lead in settlement negotiations to help you obtain reasonable compensation for your maritime injury.
Call an Atascocita Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
Maritime work is dangerous, but many types of accidents are preventable. The harm caused by these accidents can have a lasting impact on you and your family.
If you were injured in an accident while working at sea, contact an attorney from Haines Law today. An Atascocita maritime injury lawyer can help you resolve your claim.