Maritime workers are exposed to unique and dangerous risks on their jobs. When crew members, vessel owners or transportation officials fail to take proper safety precautions, accidents can result in devastating injuries. Immediately involving a trusted offshore injury lawyer is one of the best ways for injured seamen to protect their legal rights and pursue compensation for damages. Maritime lawyers aid injured workers in recovering economic and non-economic damages, including punitive damages.
Experience
Maritime law is a distinct and complex area of legal practice. The field necessitates a fusion of state and federal statutes, common law principles (predicated on court decisions), and international treaties. A lawyer with a deep understanding of the law can help you navigate these waters. For example, your attorney will understand the Jones Act and other statutes that offer injured seamen specific protections, such as maintenance and cure payments.
Your lawyer will also know how to calculate your full losses for current and future expenses and damages. These can include things like your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress. Did you know that maritime law attorneys are well-versed in awarding compensation for non-economic damages? They’re the ideal professionals if you’ve experienced the loss of enjoyment of life or pain and suffering. Additionally, they can assist you in filing a claim with your employer’s insurance provider and any other responsible entities. With their assistance, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. This is important because, as you recover, your employer may try to pressure you, deny your claim, or offer a low settlement.
Litigation
Maritime employees are at a higher risk of getting injured and, in some cases, killed on the job. Employees who suffer injuries on board barges, tugboats, supply vessels, oil rigs/platforms and crew boats may be eligible to receive financial compensation from their employers for these injuries.
These workers often require costly medical care after a workplace injury. Injuries not treated promptly can lead to permanent disabilities and a loss of income.
A qualified maritime lawyer like those at Charles D. Naylor Law can negotiate a fair settlement for you and your family, so you can focus on getting better. In addition, a lawyer can handle all legal issues associated with your case. For example, a traumatic head injury can require stitches, surgery and a long recovery period. A maritime attorney can help ensure you get the treatment you need, including sufficient rest, so your injury does not worsen. He can also protect you from accepting a low settlement offer that does not fully cover your current and future losses.
Expertise
Injuries suffered at sea require special skills to diagnose and treat. These injuries often cause costly medical expenses and long-term physical limitations that can drastically alter a worker’s quality of life. This is why it’s so crucial for injured workers to receive compensation for their losses. Maritime injury lawyers know the laws that apply to offshore injuries and accidents. These laws include various statutes, common law principles, and international treaties. They can also determine whether a case should be heard in a state or federal court.
Insurance companies and employers must pay compensation to maritime accident victims. However, they do not always have the victim’s best interest in mind and may offer settlements far below what is necessary to cover current and future costs. Your attorney will work with you and financial experts to calculate the full cost of your injuries and losses.
Negotiation
Maritime lawyers work with you, your doctor, and other experts to calculate your injury’s full financial and non-financial costs. This covers monetary compensation for future expenses, lost income, and medical bills. Additionally, it makes up for emotional agony, physical hardship, and lost enjoyment of life. To punish the negligent party and dissuade them from repeating the same action, it might even include punitive damages.
If you have been injured on a maritime vessel, consult a naval lawyer immediately. A competent lawyer will ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations. They will also thoroughly investigate to gather the necessary evidence to support your claims. For a just settlement, they will also haggle with insurance firms. They are familiar with admiralty law, including centuries-old common laws, federal statutes, and international treaties. They will provide you with a strong legal defense to secure the maximum compensation law allows.
