Pascagoula Maritime Injury Lawyer

A maritime injury case involves someone who is injured while at sea. Maritime injuries generally mean injuries on the water, within a certain distance of the shoreline. There are various laws that govern accidents that occur in open water. Due to the complexity of maritime laws, it may be difficult for individuals to handle claims on their own.

If you or a loved one have been injured while at sea, a Pascagoula maritime injury lawyer could help you seek compensation for damages. They could investigate your claim, calculate your damages, and help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Speak to a skilled personal injury attorney to learn about your legal options to recover compensation.

Federal Statutes Regarding Maritime Injuries

When an individual is working on a boat, the maritime injury case is similar to a workers’ compensation claim. The most common claims involving maritime injuries are Jones Act cases.

The Jones Act is a federal law that gives seamen who were injured in the course of their employment the right to sue their employer for negligence damages. Under the Jones Act, a maritime employer must provide the seaman with a reasonably safe place to work, and must use ordinary care to under the circumstances to maintain and keep the vessel on which the seaman works in a reasonably safe condition. Almost any unsafe condition on a vessel could lead to liability under the Jones Act.

Operations in open waters are governed by federal statute, and those issues are specific and dependent on the injuries. When an individual works on a dock, wharf, shipyard, or something similar, their claim is covered by the Department of Labor and the Longshore Division or other federal and state statutes. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act governs people who are injured on docks and longshoremen. It is best to speak to a knowledgeable Pascagoula maritime injury lawyer to learn about the federal laws regarding injuries that occur on the water.

How The Location Of An Accident Affects Jurisdiction

The location of where the injury occurred and its effect on the jurisdiction and laws can vary greatly. It depends on the type of vessel the person was on when they were injured. Oil wells are floating vessels, which are considered ships, and they are governed by certain laws. Oil wells that are connected to the seafloor are not considered as ships, and they are governed by different laws. If someone is working on or near the water on a dock, different laws relate to those injured parties.

An experienced attorney in Pascagoula could review the facts of the case and determine the best course of action for an individual’s specific situation based on the jurisdiction.

Seek Help From A Pascagoula Maritime Injury Attorney

When injured on the job, individuals should be compensated for their injuries. Ordinarily, individuals would rely on workers’ compensation benefits to recover compensation. In situations regarding maritime injuries, individuals rely on the Jones Act to seek compensation from their employers.

If you or a loved one have been injured while working on the water, a Pascagoula maritime injury lawyer could make a difference in your case. They could investigate your claim and collect evidence to help you seek compensation. Schedule a consultation today to learn about what may be possible in your case.