Do I Need a Maritime Attorney After an Accident at Sea?

Frequently-Asked-Questions

Maritime Accident Causing You Problems? You Need a Maritime Attorney to Help Litigate Your Case Maritime Law Is Complex – Get the Help of an Attorney Specializing in Maritime Law for Your Case

The law for accidents on the water are very different than accidents on land. Injuries from a maritime accident are often more serious, and the laws for recovering damages diverge are very different from standard personal injury cases. When A person injured while working at sea is not entitled to , the process for obtaining workers’ compensation like is different than land-based employment is. The laws for passengers and recreational boaters injured or who lost their lives also contrast with land-based personal injury and wrongful death laws. If you have sustained an injury from an maritime accident at sea, then it is important for you to consult with a maritime lawyer who can offer you sound advice. An attorney with no experience in maritime law will not know the nuisances of maritime law, options or defenses available to the responsible party. This which will put you at a disadvantage when negotiating a settlement or heading to trial.

With decades of experience practicing maritime law, our attorneys have the knowledge and resources needed to produce results. We have successfully handled both domestic and international maritime injury cases, and,. For example, in 2015, we received an $8 million settlement for the family of a Marine Engineer who died after sustaining burns over 100% of his body when there was a fire in the engine room. our client who was badly burned in a maritime work accident. With over twenty seven-figure payments for our clients, our record of excellence proves that we are capable of taking on the largest maritime companies and getting you the financial assistance you deserve. At Latti & Anderson LLP, we have helped clients from coast to coast and around the world. If you need assistance from a maritime lawyer, then we promise to help you assess your situation fairly. If we take on your case, then we will and work onward to achieving a positive legal outcome.

Why Is Hiring an Attorney Who Focuses on Maritime Law So Important?

Although after a maritime accident, seems like a standard personal injury case, you should always hire an attorney with experience in maritime law – someone who focuses on this area exclusively will be best equipped to help you. If you were drafting a will, then you would seek an attorney who has a history with wills and trusts. The same logic applies to an injury on or near the water.
By retaining the services of a maritime accident attorney, you are guaranteeing that there is a certain base-level of knowledge about important details like the Jones Act, unseaworthiness, general maritime law or maintenance and cure.

An attorney with no knowledge of maritime law could wind up putting you in an unwinnable situation. Often times, the defendant in a maritime accident case is a major business or corporation. They will have the resources to hire a team of attorneys and investigators to advocate on their behalf. You need an attorney well-versed in maritime law to combat the defense’s attempt to divert blame.

Along with decades of experience, our maritime accident attorneys have developed legal resources specific to maritime law. With a network of medical, engineering and maritime industry experts, getting outside opinions is easier to accomplish. These experts also make excellent witnesses who will testify on your behalf in court.

At Latti & Anderson LLP, we have a full-time investigator on staff, helping us chase down worthwhile leads and compile useful information. Employing a full-time investigator gives our firm an advantage over other firms where lawyers are pressed for time. By creating an efficient work environment, our firm has the ability to navigate every aspect of the legal process. We are able to focus on the specific maritime laws governing your case and help you create a sound legal argument that garners a favorable settlement or verdict.

Important Information Regarding What Should I Know About Maritime Accident Law?

While your attorney will handle the majority of the legwork, there are some important details to remember about maritime law. For example, maritime law has its own set of standards for proving fault. Under the Jones Act, an injured seaman can recover damages for his or her employer’s negligence. The Jones Act is a federal law that requires the employer to provide the seaman with a reasonably safe place to work. It also requires the employer to maintain and keep the working vessel in a reasonably safe condition.

In a standard negligence case, you must prove that your employer’s negligence was a cause in the main reason for the accident. However, under the Jones Act, you must only have to prove that your employer was negligent in any way. If the employer is only one-percent responsible for the accident, then you are entitled to damages.

Under general maritime law, the vessel owner has a duty to provide a seaworthy vessel. Unseaworthiness is when a vessel is not reasonably fit for its intended purpose. A classic example of unseaworthiness is a line parting and striking a worker and injuring the worker. Unseaworthiness is often called liability without fault.

Additionally, maritime law provides for protects injured seaman through a provision called maintenance and cure. Maintenance is the right of a seaman to a stipend for basic living expenses like food and lodging when injured on a working vessel. Cure is payment of medical expenses by and treatment by the Employer. The right of a seaman to medical care and treatment when injured on a working vessel. To qualify for maintenance and cure, you must prove that you were injured while working on a ship during the course of your employment.

Unlike a claim under the Jones Act, maintenance and cure is paid regardless of fault for the injury. After proving that you qualify for maintenance and cure, you are guarantee entitled to payment until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI occurs when your doctor can do nothing to further improve your condition, and you are not expected to make any more physical progress.

Need a Maritime Attorney? We Are Here to Help

The majority of maritime cases are filed in the federal court system. Finding an attorney familiar with federal court proceedings is very important if you want to protect your rights as an injury victim. You need a maritime attorney who is comfortable in a variety of settings. Our attorneys have extensive experience in federal courts throughout the United States and can help you prevail over the defense.

If you have been injured on the water, then do not hesitate to get experienced and knowledgeable legal assistance. Contact Latti & Anderson LLP today at (800) 392-6072 and schedule a consultation. We have offices in Boston and New Bedford, and would welcome the chance to review your case and will come and meet with you at your home or where it is convenient.
You can also contact us online and submit a case review for us to evaluate.