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Maritime Law

Maritime and admiralty laws are designed to protect seamen who work on ships, offshore oil rigs, or other seagoing vessels. Under the Jones Act, for example, seamen can seek compensation for past and future damages resulting from the negligence of their employers or co-workers while working inland or offshore. Federal courts have determined that the term seamen extends to people employed on a vessel to assist in the main purpose of the voyage. This includes not only river and off shore workers, but also divers and underwater personnel.

The Jones Act is not workers’ compensation law, meaning that you must prove that the seamen’s employer was negligent and at fault for your injuries. Because the statute of limitations in a maritime suit is generally three years, it is important that you contact an admiralty and maritime lawyer as soon as possible after you or a loved one has been injured.

Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act:

The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act, or LHWCA, was designed to fill the gaps between the Jones Act and state workers’ compensation laws. Unlike those laws, the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act provides protection to maritime workers who are injured on navigable waters, and does depend on the state where the injury occurred.

Compensation for injuries covered under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act is administered by the Federal Department of Labor. Those who qualify under this Act do not have to prove the employer’s fault in order to recover, and are often entitled to disability benefits.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured while working as a crewman on a boat or vessel, an experienced maritime attorney can help. Please contact us today for additional information.