Maritime law is a specific area that deals with injuries sustained on boats or ships. If you’ve been injured in such a way, a maritime attorney can help you
Maritime law is a distinct body of law that governs maritime activities. It is based largely on a series of international treaties and conventions, as well as local laws enacted by individual countries. It is enforced in the courts of any nation with a connection to a particular maritime activity or incident.
If you were a victim of a maritime accident, a specialized maritime attorney can help you seek compensation. Depending on the type of accident, they can assist with filing personal injury claims or wrongful death lawsuits to receive just compensation for your losses. They will also have extensive experience with admiralty law, which is a specialized body of law that governs maritime legal issues.
In addition, a maritime injury lawyer can navigate the many complexities and nuances of maritime legal issues, to ensure that your case is handled correctly and all potential damages are accounted for.
What kinds of injuries are most often seen in maritime accidents?
- Boating accidents
- Injuries on cruise ships
- Falling overboard accidents
- Offshore drilling accidents
- Drowning incidents or fatal drownings
- Capsized boat accidents
- Industrial vessel collisions
No matter the circumstances of your maritime accident, a skillful offshore accident lawyer can help you make sure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
What do you need to do next if you’ve recently suffered a maritime injury?
In the event of a maritime injury, it is important to take the following steps to ensure that your rights are protected:
- Seek medical attention for your injuries and document the care you received.
- Retain any evidence related to the accident, such as photos, videos, or witness statements if possible.
- Contact a maritime injury lawyer to discuss the potential for filing a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit for compensation.
Who can be liable for your maritime accident?
In a maritime accident, several parties can potentially be liable for your injuries or losses.
Boat owner
The boat owner can be held liable for a maritime accident in cases where they failed to maintain the vessel properly, did not provide adequate safety equipment, or operated the boat recklessly. Additionally, if an owner hired a negligent captain or crew member who caused an accident, they can also be held responsible.
Captain or other crew members
They can be held liable for a maritime accident in cases where they acted negligently, such as failing to follow safety regulations, operating the boat recklessly, or not providing adequate safety equipment. Also, if they caused an accident due to their lack of knowledge or skill, they can be held responsible.
Product manufacturer
The product manufacturer of any equipment used on a vessel can be held liable for a maritime accident in cases where their defective or unsafe products caused the accident. This includes any specifications, parts, components, materials, and design issues that could have been reasonably foreseen as causing a maritime accident.
Types of compensation your maritime injury attorneys can get for you
The compensation available in maritime accident cases depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, as well as any other losses you may have incurred due to the accident.
Generally, victims are entitled to reimbursement for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages
A qualified maritime attorney can help you determine what types of compensation you may be entitled to and how much you could potentially receive.
