The team at Hoffoss Devall knows how complicated maritime law can be. To clear a few things up, we have compiled some basics for you. For more information or for specific questions related to your case, give us a call at 337-433-2053.
Maritime law, also referred to as admiralty law, is a highly-specialized field of law that pertains to a variety of sea-related matters. It comprises standards, regulations, protocols, actions, and civil procedures unique to this area of the law.
Maritime laws regulate commerce, maritime workers, shipping, navigation, piracy, and recreational boating on domestic and international navigable waters. United States maritime law is broad in scope, covering businesses, individuals, and contracts related to maritime activities on both natural and man-made waters.
Maritime law most often comes into play for maritime businesses, recreational boaters, passengers aboard vessels, and maritime workers:
Maritime businesses: Businesses involving maritime activities must abide by numerous state, federal, and maritime regulations, and are subject to sanctions when they violate the rules.
Recreational boaters: When people are injured in recreational boating or watercraft accidents, their cases (tort claims) are subject to certain maritime laws, US Coast Guard laws, and supplemental state laws.
Cruise ship passengers: When passengers aboard vessels such as cruise ships sustain an injury, their negligence claims are subject to maritime laws that impose stringent time limits and filing procedures on the victim.
Maritime employees: Our maritime injury attorneys at Hoffoss Devall primarily work with injured workers in maritime-related professions. Maritime laws provide protections for workers who sustain injuries while on the job, and we help these workers exercise their rights within these laws. These valuable protections are akin to workers’ compensation and liability claims for land-based workers. Our work involves helping injured seamen, longshoremen, and other maritime employees pursue recovery for their harms within the realm of maritime law.
Maritime workers (and their families in fatal cases) have certain remedies they can use under maritime law when they are hurt on the job. Below are examples of recoveries they may have access to, depending on the nature of their job and of their injuries:
Determining the jurisdiction of a case can be tricky. It is not always as straightforward as it seems. The parties involved do not get to decide whether the case falls under maritime law. The courts do. The courts start with a two-part test when deciding jurisdiction:
If you or a loved one was injured in maritime accident, you may be entitled to compensation. In some instances, you have more than one remedy. To determine eligibility or for questions about legal representation, call Hoffoss Devall and schedule a free consult with one of our maritime injury lawyers.
Our firm handles all types of maritime cases including, Jones Act, unseaworthiness, and LHWCA claims. We can explain your rights and responsibilities and help you pursue the restitution you deserve. Contact us today at 337-433-2053 to get started.
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