Gautier Maritime Injury Lawyer

Few fields of work carry the risks of maritime employment. Working offshore is both challenging and potentially risky. These risks are attributable not only to the dangerous nature of the work but also the inherent risk of working on the water.

If you or a loved one were injured while working at sea, you may have the right to seek compensation from your employer or the person responsible for the injury. However, there are many federal laws and regulations that determine if compensation is available in any given case. A Gautier Maritime Injury Lawyer could provide the vigorous legal representation you need. Speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to learn about your legal options for compensation.

Common Causes of Maritime Injuries

Working on or around the water is common for Gautier residents. They understand that there are certain risks that come with working at sea. However, it is impossible to prepare for a severe injury. Some common causes of maritime injuries include

  • Boating wrecks or collisions
  • Oil rig fires or accidents
  • Diving injuries
  • Falling object injuries
  • Illnesses from exposure to harmful cargo
  • Seamen’s injury claims

While compensation for these injuries is possible in some cases, the process for obtaining it is different than a standard negligence case. A skilled Gautier Maritime Injury Attorney could conduct an independent investigation to determine the exact cause of the victim’s injuries.

Maritime Injury Laws

There are several federal laws that deal with compensation for maritime injuries. These laws are complex and often interact with each other in confusing ways. Pursuing a claim for maritime injury compensation without the help of a Gautier Attorney experienced in maritime law could be overwhelming. The laws related to maritime injury claims include:

  • The Jones Act
  • Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
  • Doctrine of Unseaworthiness
  • Death on the High Seas Act

The Jones Act

Formally known as the Merchant Seaman Protection and Relief Act, the Jones Act provides compensation to seamen and longshoremen injured on while working on a sea vessel. This act is designed to compensate a worker injured at sea for the medical costs and lost wages. The act operates in a fashion similar to the worker’s compensation system of many states.

Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

The LHWCA is similar to the Jones Act, in that it provides compensation for workers injured on the job. However, while the Jones Act compensates those that work on maritime vessels, the LHWCA applies to longshoremen and dock workers injured on piers, harbors, or similar areas.

Doctrine of Seaworthiness

This doctrine requires all ships that operate at sea to meet minimum safety requirements and be in the condition necessary to travel. If a shipowner fails to maintain the condition of a vessel appropriately, they could be responsible for injuries caused by the lack of necessary safety equipment.

Death on the High Seas Act

While there are many parallels between this act and the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act only compensates surviving spouses for the death of a family member working in international waters. Injury claims are only recoverable through other avenues.

Reach out to a Gautier Maritime Injury Attorney Today

For anyone injured at sea, navigating the confusing patchwork of laws that regulate maritime claims can be difficult. Understanding how to properly file a maritime claim is crucial, as many of these statutes have strict deadlines.

A Gautier Maritime Injury Lawyer can assist you in pursuing compensation regardless of the federal statute under which the claim applies. Call today to schedule a consultation.