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Have you suffered an injury or damages due to an accident on a boat, by a boat, or due to the negligence of someone else? Talk with a maritime injury lawyer in Charleston regarding your right to compensation. Accidents and injuries that occur on or near navigable waters are covered by federal law — and you are entitled to protection and damage recovery.
At Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney, our maritime injury lawyer will ensure that your personal injury settlement includes past and future wage losses, past and future medical care, and compensation for damages like loss of quality of life, loss of consortium, and your pain and suffering.
The Maritime Workers and Mariners We Serve
Maritime injuries occur near or on navigable waters. Federal law provides protections for those that are injured in maritime incidents, giving them the right to file a claim for damage recovery. Maritime law extends beyond vessels and ships to include docks and other facilities that are used by the maritime industry.
We represent anyone from longshoremen and seamen, to dock workers and boat passengers in Charleston.
Here are some of the reasons why you might need the services of a maritime attorney:
- Boat collisions or crashes
- Dock incidents or accidents
- Waste spilled in the water by you or another vessel
- Injuries sustained on the open water
Not sure if your situation is a maritime injury case? An attorney can determine that for you, so make sure that you have a legal expert on your side.
Types of Maritime Accidents When Working
If you work on or near the water, you likely know of the injuries that can be sustained in maritime accidents. Serious accidents can cause significant injuries. Make sure that you protect yourself with the legal expertise of a qualified maritime injury lawyer.
Some types of injuries that our clients seek compensation for include:
- Amputations
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Lung disorders and issues
- Compartment syndrome
- Frostbite and hypothermia
- Burns
- Brain damage and brain injury
- Injuries from tug, barge and dredge equipment
- Organ damage from blunt force trauma
Some other common maritime injuries include those afflicting the neck, shoulders, hip, leg, feet, and hands. This is not an exhaustive list. If you have been injured in a maritime accident, the most pragmatic thing to do is to speak with our attorney. Protect your rights and get the compensation that you deserve.
What Laws Apply to Maritime Injuries?
Jones Act
Most maritime injury claims arise under the Jones Act. The Jones Act is a federal law that covers mariners, seamen, and workers while on the job on or near navigable water. Some reasons for these injuries may include unsafe work conditions or an ill-maintained vessel. The injured person can seek compensation for their damages when it has been determined that the accident is due to employer or coworker negligence.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is another federal law that provides for maritime employees injured on or near navigable waters. This law allows for compensation, medical treatment, and vocational rehab for those afflicted while working, whether on a boat or when unloading, repairing, or building a vessel.
The LHWCA offers provisions for surviving dependents of the employee, too, including survivor benefits contingent on the circumstances surrounding the fatality. Some workers covered by the LHWCA include longshore workers, shipbuilders, shipbreakers, repair personnel, and harbor contractors.
Death on the High Seas Act
The Death on the High Seas Act, or DOHSA, provides a legal outlet for survivors of those who die from a maritime accident. This is a federal law that extends to deaths on boats, vessels, as well as those caused by an aircraft crash. Under this law, surviving family members can file claims for maritime employees that are killed on the job due to negligence. Those that can file suit include spouses, parents, children, or dependents.
Have you been involved in a maritime accident or suffered an injury near or on the water? Protect your rights by talking with a maritime injury lawyer. They will help to determine if you have a claim, and the best way to move forward under the law.
How We Help Injured Seamen and Maritime Workers
We can help you following your maritime related injury or accident by working to recover compensation for your damages. Here are some damages that you may seek monetary compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Maintenance and cure benefits
- Future medical expenses
- Emotional pain and suffering
It is important not to underestimate your future damages, as well. A qualified maritime injury lawyer can help.
Injured by or on a boat, barge, vessel or any other watercraft due to negligence?
Don’t delay talking to a qualified maritime attorney regarding your personal injury. Contact the office of Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney in Charleston, and across the state of South Carolina. Call or contact us to schedule a consultation today.
FAQs About Maritime Accident Cases
Why do I need a maritime lawyer specifically?
A maritime lawyer has distinct knowledge regarding maritime law and jurisdiction. Also, these are the legal professionals with the most expertise in handling personal injury cases related to unique and unconventional maritime situations and disputes.
What does the Jones Act have to do with my maritime injury case?
The Jones Act provides protection for maritime workers, including the right to be compensated for damages caused by negligence or an unseaworthy vessel.
Under the Jones Act, what is the statute of limitations for maritime injury claims?
The statute of limitations for mariners filing claims under the Jones Act is three years from the date of your injury.
What if a maritime employee dies on the job?
Under the Death On the High Seas Act (DOHSA), family members of the deceased can file a suit against the employer when a maritime employee is killed on the job. Family members allowed to make a claim include the spouse, parents, or dependents, and they are entitled to seek compensation for damages when there is proof of negligence that led to their loved one’s death.
