If You Were Injured in an Accident at Sea, Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney

Cruise Ship, Oil Rig Or Even Para-Sailing Injuries Require Expert Maritime Representation

Workers employed offshore - meaning that they work on boats, floating rigs, and platforms that are permanently moored out at sea - are protected by specific laws pertaining to their well-being. While these laws are intended to protect seamen and other employees in case they are painfully or permanently injured, the traditions and precedents in these areas can be confusing. If you or your loved one has sustained even a slight offshore injury, be sure to work with a qualified maritime injury attorney as you analyze your options for monetary compensation. The simple fact is that, while the employer or operator of the sea-going vessel is obligated to take care of an injured worker, the average personal injury lawyer may not be knowledgeable enough in the appropriate rules and regulations.

American citizens working for American companies are protected by the Jones Act. Although the bill has been around for a long time (it was first passed as the Merchant Marine Act in 1920), it has been revised and updated to meet the needs of today’s injured workers and employees. If you were injured while working at sea, a maritime injury attorney can help you obtain the following compensation for your claims:

• Maintenance –Victims have the right to living expenses that they incur while injured. This includes rent, utilities, food, travel, and more.

• Cure – Patients are entitled to receive the funds from their employer for any and all medical expenses related to the injury.

• Liens – If the employer or operator is unable to pay the amount owed to the victim, a lien will be placed against the vessel. Lien suits must be pursued in federal court, and the boat must be seized by law enforcement officials.

But contract workers and full-time employees are not the only individuals protected by local and international laws. Any passenger of a boat, rig, or cruise ship should contact a qualified legal professional if they are injured while out at sea. These specialized lawyers are the only ones capable of quickly and easily informing you of your rights, if tragedy ever strikes during travel, vacation, or work on the water.

The legal regulations for filing a lawsuit against the owner/operator of an ocean-going vessel can be complex. In order to begin the process, a lawyer can help you start by determining some or all of the following pieces of information vital to the success of your suit.

• The origin of the vessel

• Nationality of employees on the ship

• Whether the victim is a full-time employee of the operator or owner

• Whether the victim is a paid passenger

• The seaworthiness of the boat or rig

• Nationality of waters

National law stipulates that both employees and normal passengers report their injuries and bring a lawsuit within 3 years of the injury. While this may seem simple, it is possible that some injuries may not be obvious for quite some time. So be sure to notify officials and receive legal counsel if you are involved in any accident at sea. Also, cruise ship passengers should maintain all of their paperwork, as many cruise companies list additional regulations affecting your ability to seek recompense on ticket stubs and customer contracts.

If you have any questions at all about your legal rights, and the obligations of a vessel operator, contact a qualified Jones Act lawyer  as soon as possible. Be sure to select a firm with proven experience in this complicated area.