Maritime law is much more complex than other areas involving workplace accidents. There are numerous potential laws that could apply to your case, along with potentially higher financial stakes. You must obtain legal help as soon as possible after your accident to increase your chances of success and maximize the value of your claim. You may even be able to file a personal injury lawsuit, which can result in significant financial compensation. Reach out to the family at Inzina Law Firm Injury Attorneys today to learn more about the options available to you after you have suffered a maritime injury.
Maritime Injury Statistics
Regardless of where you are physically working in the maritime industry, it is known as one of the most dangerous professions for workers. Maritime workers have six times the rate of death on the job as the average American profession. In addition, longshoremen have a significant rate of injury, with one in every 20 injured over a five-year span. While much of the statistical focus is on death, workers who suffer injuries on the job may never be the same again, and their ability to earn a living may be severely compromised.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
Maritime injuries can occur both onshore or offshore. Whether you are working on a boat or in a supporting profession that is in close proximity to the water, you can suffer maritime injuries in the following types of accidents:
- Overexertion injuries: Maritime workers frequently lift heavy items and perform intensive physical labor.
- Slips and Falls: There are numerous pieces of equipment and slippery substances that line walking paths both on and offshore.
- Machinery accidents: Workers use complex and heavy machinery, and it may be either defective or not properly maintained. You can sue the manufacturer in a product liability lawsuit if you were hurt by defective machinery.
- Vessel accidents: The barge or vessel that you were on can strike a pier or another vessel on the water.
- Falling overboard: You can fall either off the vessel entirely or between vessels when the boats are onshore.
- Exposure to chemicals: There may be toxic fumes or other chemicals in use, both on boats or onshore. Employees may be working with toxic chemicals that can cause severe illness or injury.
- Fires and explosions: Flammable substances or the engine itself could ignite or explode, causing severe burns or other injuries.
It is vital that you know the cause of the accident. To win a lawsuit, you need to prove that someone fails to uphold their duty of care. If you are filing a worker’s compensation claim, you must prove that you have suffered a work-related injury.
What Is Maritime Law?
There are a series of federal laws that could provide a pathway for financial compensation if you have suffered a maritime injury. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file either a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim. There are three major federal laws that you may use to be compensated for a maritime injury:
- Jones Act: You have the ability to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer when you are an injured seaman who spends at least 30% of their time on a navigable vessel contributing to the function of a vessel or to the accomplishment of the vessel’s mission.
- Death on the High Seas Act: If the vessel was at least three miles offshore but still in the continental waters of the United States, the family can file a lawsuit when their loved one dies due to negligence.
- The Longshore Harbor and Workers’ Compensation Act: This is a federal program that offers workers’ compensation benefits for longshoremen injured on the job. It covers workers in more traditional maritime occupations who are not on navigable vessels.
Why Do I Need a Maritime Injury Lawyer?
The amount of compensation you receive depends on the law you are using to obtain financial compensation. Your attorney would review your situation to determine how and whether you can pursue compensation for your injuries. They would then work to maximize your financial compensation through the claims or lawsuit process.
Our team can perform the following tasks for your maritime injury case:
- Investigate the accident and gather helpful evidence for your case
- Explain your legal rights and help you choose the correct course of action
- Estimate the value of the damages you are seeking
- File a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement of your lawsuit or claim
- Try your case in court, advocating for you throughout the legal process.
You are better off when you have help from an experienced maritime law attorney who can help you through the entire legal process.
Contact a Lafayette Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
The family at Inzina Law Firm Injury Attorneys is here to assist you after you have suffered a maritime injury. We know how the system works and how to effectively advocate for you. All it takes to get started is one phone call or message to schedule your free initial consultation. You can send us a message online, or you can call us today to speak with a member of our team.
