Knowhow-Now Article

Admiralty or maritime laws govern almost all the activities that are taking place on oceans, seas or navigable inland waters. They include both national and international laws. All individuals or corporations who were involved in an incident occurred at sea, if they need legal representation as plaintiffs or as defendants, will also need an admiralty lawyer.

People travelling, working or simply boating or even swimming in U.S. territorial or international waters are exposed to several risks. The most often reported maritime incidents include crashes, collisions, fires, explosions, overboard and drowning accidents. In 2008 the U.S. Coast Guard responded to more than 27,000 incidents, which resulted in 800 deaths. Individuals mostly exposed to these risks are cruise ship passengers and employees, dock and ferry workers, fishermen, longshoremen, seamen and officers, oil workers, technicians working aboard vessels, jet skiers and swimmers.

They might suffer the following severe injuries: back and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, falls, broken bones, burns, disfigurement, lost limbs and other permanent disabilities. Ship owners or individuals operating vessels offshore have the responsibility to offer a reasonably safe working or travelling conditions. If they fail to do so, and one their employees or passengers suffers severe injuries, they can be held legally responsible.

Injured victims will most likely have to file a lawsuit if they wish to be compensated. However the laws based on which these cases are judged are different from other injury laws and depending on the circumstances of the accident international laws and regulations might also have to be considered. That is why plaintiffs will need an admiralty lawyer, specialized in maritime law.

For example employees working on inland, if they suffer severe injuries during work, they can be compensated based on worker’s compensation. Maritime employees can do the same thing, but they have also other, better options. They have the right to file a lawsuit and require compensation based on the Jonas Act.

The Jonas Act is a set of federal laws, accepted in 1920 with the purpose of protecting maritime workers. As long as Worker’s Compensation only offers financial compensation to cover the costs of medical bills and lost wages, The Jonas Act allows maritime employees to be compensated also for present and future medical care, pain and suffering, the deterioration of life style and future costs of living.

All maritime and harbor employees are advised to consult an admiralty lawyer in case of a severe injury occurred during work. Only a specialized attorney will be able to interview crew members and examine the ship looking for signs of negligence, establish whether there is a valid legal claim and if the victim qualifies for Jonas Act compensation. After all that has been done, a lawsuit can be filed and victims or their families can collect the benefits they are legally entitled to.

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