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Understanding Maritime Law

A maritime lawyer is skilled in a niche area of law known as admiralty or maritime law. This field of law governs activities, transactions, disputes, and offenses occurring at sea and on the navigable waters of the United States. Maritime claims involve a wide range of issues, including maritime injuries.

In the United States, federal statutes (including the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and others) govern maritime law. These laws hold vital protections for maritime workers injured or killed while on the job.

Responsibilities of a Maritime Injury Lawyer

In addition to representing passengers injured in recreational boating accidents more than 9 nautical miles from shore or on navigable waters, a maritime injury attorney represents seamen, offshore workers, and other maritime employees who have sustained injuries while performing their duties. In these cases, their role encompasses:

Navigating Complex Laws

Maritime law is exceptionally intricate. A maritime injury lawyer helps clients understand their rights and navigate the complex legal terrain to ensure they receive the compensation they are entitled to.

Investigating Accidents

Maritime lawyers conduct thorough investigations of the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating safety protocols to build a robust case.

Filing Claims

Maritime injury attorneys assist clients in filing claims under the appropriate laws, ensuring that all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted within the requisite time frames.

Negotiating Compensation

An experienced lawyer can negotiate with employers, insurance companies, and other involved parties to secure fair compensation for maintenance and cure and other damages.

Litigation

In cases where a fair settlement cannot be reached, maritime injury lawyers represent clients in court, presenting evidence and arguing the case to obtain a favorable judgment.

Types of Cases Handled by Maritime Injury Attorneys

Navigating the legal waters after a maritime injury can be complex. Maritime injury attorneys are practiced professionals adept at handling various cases within this unique legal framework. They provide critical assistance, ensuring victims effectively seek justice and fair compensation.

Some of the different types of worker-related cases that a maritime injury lawyer might handle are:

Jones Act Cases

Under the Jones Act, seamen injured on the job have the right to sue their employer for negligence. A maritime injury attorney aids in establishing negligence and proving the employer’s liability.

Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Claims

Non-seamen maritime employees injured on navigable waters or adjoining areas may file a claim under the LHWCA, which provides compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Maritime injury lawyers assist in filing claims and appealing denied claims.

Maintenance & Cure

Injured seamen are entitled to maintenance (daily living expenses) and cure (medical expenses) until they reach maximum medical recovery. Maritime injury attorneys ensure clients receive these benefits.

Unseaworthiness Claims

Maritime injury lawyers assist in filing claims for injuries resulting from unseaworthy vessels, ensuring owners are held accountable for failing to maintain safe, well-equipped ships.

Challenges Faced by Maritime Injury Lawyers

Maritime injury attorneys face various challenges, including confronting large shipping companies and insurance firms with vast resources. Despite these hurdles, their experience and commitment play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and welfare of maritime workers.

Importance of Hiring a Maritime Injury Attorney

Engaging a maritime injury lawyer post-injury is indispensable. These professionals offer:

Exceptional Legal Advice: With their extensive knowledge of maritime law, they provide accurate legal counsel so clients can make informed decisions.
Effective Representation: They represent clients in negotiations and court proceedings, aiming to secure optimal compensation for damages and losses.
Protection of Rights: They ardently work to protect clients’ rights, ensuring that employers and insurance companies do not exploit them and helping them obtain the justice they deserve.

What Does a Maritime Injury Lawyer Do? Find Out Now!

A maritime attorney’s role is multifaceted and essential, guiding clients through legal complexities and representing them in negotiations and litigation. Their assistance ensures that maritime workers, who contribute significantly to the economy and commerce, receive the protection, respect, and compensation they are entitled to in the event of injuries and accidents.

Understanding “What does a maritime injury lawyer do?” reinforces the importance of their services, fostering a more informed, prepared, and protected maritime community. If you or a loved one is struggling through the aftermath of an injury, do not hesitate to reach out to a Houston maritime injury attorney. A lawyer’s skill and dedication will prove invaluable in your journey to recovery and justice.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law today for a FREE consultation. With our Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. approach, we will ensure that your rights are upheld and every avenue to just compensation is utilized. We serve clients in Houston, throughout Texas, and nationwide.

What Does a Maritime Injury Lawyer Do?