It surprises many people to learn that injuries sustained on the sea are typically handled with different laws than injuries sustained on land. Maritime laws apply to situations that occur on private property, such as oil rigs or boats, which means these laws are generally used by workers who are injured offshore.
If you have been hurt at your job, then you may need a maritime lawyer in Houston to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Learn more about how offshore injury lawyers can help you with your case.
Maritime Lawyer: Three Situations to Hire an Offshore Injury Lawyer in Houston
So, when do you hire a lawyer that specializes in maritime law?
You will only need maritime and offshore injury lawyers in Houston when you are a worker who is injured on the sea.
If you are a member of the public and you are injured offshore, then a different set of laws will apply to you. The most common situations where you will need the assistance of an expert in maritime law include:
1. Job Injuries
Accidents on the job are common for offshore workers, particularly because these workers often operate specialized, heavy-duty equipment as injuries from large machines can be life-altering.
Other injuries that may be sustained by offshore workers include drowning, slips and falls, explosions, maritime collisions, and inclement weather.
Particularly severe accidents can result in loss of life or limb, as well as permanent disability.
If you have been injured in an offshore accident, then it's a good idea to seek the advice of legal counsel to ensure that you receive compensation for all of your pain and suffering.
Even if your employer or the insurance company is eager to work with you, having legal advice will make the compensation process less stressful.
2. Reluctant Employer Compensation
Maritime work presents a unique safety challenge because any assistance for immediate medical concerns will be delayed until you can get to a hospital.
This is one of the main reasons why maritime employers will want to work with you when there is an accident.
However, some employers may be reluctant to offer compensation, such as employers who were knowingly negligent in the safety equipment of large machinery.
In this case, a legal representative will advocate for your rights and build a case against your non-compliant lawyer.
3. Understanding Your Rights
Finally, you may want the help of a lawyer if you need to understand your rights as a maritime worker. Many maritime laws may apply to your employment situation, which means there may be specific precedents that can be used if you are injured in an offshore accident.
By understanding the full scale of your rights, you will be better protected, especially if you have a reluctant employer.
How Do Offshore Injury Lawyers Help You?
Maritime laws are often complex, so it can be difficult to handle your personal injury case alone. Your legal team will work with you to investigate your accident and build a case to support your claim.
This can include citing specific maritime laws, as well as enlisting the opinions of experts like doctors, engineers, and forensic investigators.
Ultimately, the goal of an offshore injury lawyer is to help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injury and all the consequences of your injury, such as loss of wages, temporary or permanent disability, and other non-economic claims.
What Are Relevant Maritime Laws?
Maritime laws date back to the late 1800s and are reserved for use on special territories, particularly the "high seas".
Historically, high seas were any body of water off the shore of any state where a vessel belonging to an American citizen or corporation operated. It's important to note that maritime laws specifically apply to American-operated businesses, American citizens, and American workers, not foreign businesses or foreign workers.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act is the maritime equivalent to traditional worker's compensation rights. Specifically, this law extends the Federal Employer's Liability Act to offshore workers, which gives employees the right to seek personal injury claims against employers.
With this act, workers who are injured offshore may file a legal claim through federal or state laws.
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act
Because the Jones act applies specifically to offshore workers who are injured on the sea, this particular act bridges the gap between land workers, offshore workers, and the middlemen such as longshoremen or dockworkers who may be injured on the job.
Again, this act ensures worker's compensation rights for employees.
If you've been injured as an offshore employee of an American organization or corporation, then you are entitled to worker's compensation laws under the United States Constitution and relevant laws. Legal experts in maritime laws will ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
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