Marine Law Affects Your Safety on Ocean-Going Vessels

For victims of maritime negligence or personal injury, marine law precedents and regulations concerning the injured person and the monetary recompense they rightfully deserve can be intimidating. Various legal jurisdictions need to be taken into account. On land, the state or country has various negligence or workers' compensation regulations. However, when tragedy occurs on an ocean-going vessel, both local and international rules need to be taken into account when determining the proper way to proceed. However, this legal area is one of the oldest and most studied in the world, and committed and experienced lawyers can provide the best results for the victim.

According to marine law, the owners and operators of ocean-going vessels are legally required to take all necessary steps to ensure a passenger’s safety. However, it is recognized that accidents often happen on water due to events that are out of operator control. Therefore, victims bear the burden of proof, and must be able to show a judge or jury, without any doubt, that the owner of the ship was to blame for the accident.

Marine law also stipulates some very specific procedures for passengers wishing to file a lawsuit against the company or individual running the vessel they travelled on. In most cases brought against companies and individuals in the United States, a person has 3 years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit to court. However, with many cruise lines, the statute of limitations can be shorter, requiring that a suit be brought within 1 year of the tragedy. This regulation should be outlined on the cruise line ticket itself.

Admiralty law regulations and precedents covering professional seamen are slightly different. Similar to workers' compensation laws and other regulations that protect workers in the United States, the laws describe the rights and recompense due to an injured worker. These include the following rights:

Maintenance – Regulations require employers to pay all living expenses, including rent, utilities, and travel, at least until the end of travel. If an employee is removed from the vessel for emergency medical care, or any other reason, the employer is still required to pay this recompense.
Cure – Vessel operators must pay for adequate medical care, as long as they improve the victim’s ability to function.
Unseaworthiness – All boats, platforms, etc., must be kept in excellent, seaworthy condition.
Jones Act – Any ship travelling between U.S. Ports must be American made, and run by American employees.

International law typically defines international waters as those that are at least 200 nautical miles from a country’s shore. If an accident of any kind takes place in these waters, the issues of personal injury, recompense, and the right to bring lawsuits is complicated by international law. Matters are made even more difficult for international cruise ships, since applicable rights and regulations depend on the nationality of the vessel operator.

If you have been injured while aboard an ocean-going vessel of any kind, contact a qualified law professional immediately. It does not matter if you were injured on a boat, ship, platform, or any other type of vehicle. Call, write, or email an attorney today to get your questions answered, and secure your legal rights.