According to a report released by the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 2,487 people were killed in marine accidents that caused a whopping $1.7 billion in insured losses in the year 2015. In the same year, three maritime accidents made their way to the top ten disasters of the year in terms of victims. Maritime law is complex and refers to laws that fall under the purview of national and international jurisdictions. These laws also come into play when nations have bilateral relations and agreements, particularly when these agreements pertain to navigable waters. There are many areas of maritime laws, but when it comes to personal injury, you need an attorney who is aware of admiralty laws (maritime laws) for a certain jurisdiction. This is because there are several areas of maritime law that require specialty knowledge and skills.
Areas of Maritime Law that Require a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer
There are several areas of maritime law that attorneys may practice. Hence, it is critical you find an attorney who is well-versed in maritime personal injury. If you have sustained injury at sea due to someone else’s fault, you should be looking for a personal injury lawyer who has the knowledge and experience. This means understanding the different areas of maritime legal practice.
Maritime Contracts Law: This sub-category of maritime law relates to purchase of vessels, maritime business litigation, maritime freight transactions and even consumer lawsuits that arise from passenger or cruise vessel tort claims.
Maritime Workplace Injuries: If seamen get injured due to employer’s negligence or carelessness, the case can be fought through the Jones Act, which mandates that maritime workers have safe and secure working conditions. It ensures you get compensated for an injury you may have sustained at your workplace while at sea. If you are a dock worker or a non-seaman employee working in the maritime industry, you can get compensation through the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act.
Maritime Vessel Insurance: An attorney, who specializes in this field, will have the knowledge and expertise to handle vessel insurance, vessel salvage, and also vessel defense when someone makes a liability claim.
Maritime Legal Practice: This field of maritime law deals with vessel seizures, maritime shipping brokerage, and maritime liens. You may not want an attorney who specializes in these aspects.
Maritime Laws in the US
Anything incident that occurs in navigable waters, including sea and inland waterways, fall under the prevailing maritime law in the US. So if you sustain an injury at sea or while working on a vessel plying the domestic waterways, you need a personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in not just Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, but also in The Blackwell, Laws of Find, and Carriage of Goods by Sea Act. Whether you are a seaman or a passenger aboard a cruise ship, if you get injured in navigable waters, it is prudent to consult an attorney who specializes in maritime laws. Such an attorney will be able to guide you and also explain your chances of getting compensated under the country’s maritime law. If you or a loved one has sustained injury while at sea, you should not waste time consulting a personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff, & Wolff law firm, New York’s finest personal injury attorneys. This first meeting is free and you will not have to make any payment up front if we take your case. You just pay a percentage of the final settlement or verdict so in essence you never have to write us a check at all. There is no out-of-pocket expenses – not for you anyway. Contact Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff, and Wolff, LLP, today at 212-344-1000 today to speak to a specialized personal injury attorney. We have won millions of dollars for past clients, you too can be on this list.
