Laws that govern the areas of navigation, shipping, and overseas injuries are known as maritime and admiralty laws, and these can vary significantly depending on the geographic location.  Any injury that occurs on navigable waters may require the help of a maritime injury attorney to manage the case.  Thousands of individuals who have experienced an offshore injury need to work with professionals in order to understand the specific laws and guidelines that pertain to their situation.  If you or someone you know is involved with a maritime case, finding an offshore injury lawyer is the first step in handling a law suit, dispute, or settlement.

What Is a Maritime Injury?

A maritime injury occurs when an employee at sea is injured during their working hours.  While this is considered to be a workers’ compensation claim on land, the injuries fall under a different category offshore.  This is why working with an offshore injury lawyer is essential for determining the elements and issues of each case. Individuals who have been injured at sea may file a claim under the Jones Act.

The Jones Act provides coverage for individuals who may have:

• Been injured while at sea in a body of water located on interstate and international commerce pathways
• Sustained injuries while working on the vessel itself
• Sustained injuries while working on board a vessel

The most common types of workers who may need to consult with a Jones Act lawyer or maritime injury attorney include:

• Cruise ship workers
• Construction workers
• River boat workers
• Tug boat workers
• Fish processors
• Fishermen
• Commercial drivers
• Oil platform workers
• Transportation workers

Any indications of negligence or poor working conditions can qualify for a maritime injury case, and each case will be investigated for specific details about the quality of equipment on board, staff training, and vessel safety.  A Jones Act attorney can work with you to determine if any signs of negligence have been the cause of your injury, and work with appropriate compensation on a case by case basis. 

How a Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Help

A maritime injury attorney understand specific laws and guidelines that pertain to those injured at sea.  They serve as personal injury lawyers to represent the needs of ship crew members, boat workers, and oil rig maintenance crews that are often involved in accidents or health damages as a result of their work environment.  Working with an offshore oil rig attorney or specialized maritime injury lawyer can make it much easier to process a claim and gain compensation for any injuries endured.

A maritime injury lawyer is skilled in handling international laws and requirements, and can find out what various guidelines and standards are for any country where the ship or crew may be based.  The most common laws associated with injury at sea include:

• Public Vessels Act
• Death on High Seas Act
• Jones Act

A Jones Act attorney can work with a variety of individuals and circumstances who may have experienced an injury at sea and now require representation.

What Types of Situations Qualify for a Maritime Injury Case?

Any situation where the equipment or environment may be deemed as ‘unseaworthy’ can qualify for a maritime injury case, and even circumstances of slight negligence can be grounds for a claim.  An injury at sea, unsafe or hazardous work conditions, and improper safety control are just a few instances that may establish a case.  Other causes for a maritime dispute include:

• Lack of appropriate equipment
• Inability to provide medical treatment after an accident
• Unsafe working conditions
• Failure to provide safety gear or appropriate training
• Ignoring safety statues and standards
• Inadequate training or safety measures

Individuals who may have suffered health damages and other injuries must report their injury immediately and consult with a maritime attorney or offshore injury lawyer for further steps.  Compensation may include maintenance payments, lost wages, and monies for medical treatment and other damages.  If you or a loved one needs advice and representation for a recent injury at sea, contact Johnson Law Group for professional guidance and handling of your case.  Maritime injury cases can be confusing, but consulting with a maritime injury attorney can help you obtain the right information and receive appropriate compensation for damages.  The Johnson law firm can be contacted by e-mail or call Nick Johnson 1-888-311-5522

Johnson Law Group of Counsel

Robert A. Chaffin has been practicing law in Houston, Texas, for 30 years. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston Law Center in 1972, where he served as an editor of the Houston Law Review. He has an AV+ rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has received numerous multi-million dollar judgments and settlements on behalf of his past clients. Mr. Chaffin has successfully represented clients before the United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and various trial level courts in Texas and other states. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and the U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas. Mr. Chaffin is also the President of New Age Energy, Inc., a small oil and gas exploration and production company.

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