The waters of the Gulf Coast are a vibrant and vital hub for commerce, energy, tourism, and recreation. Yet, this dynamic environment also presents unique and often severe dangers for workers and individuals on or near the water. When accidents occur in this specialized domain, they fall under a distinct body of law known as Admiralty and Maritime Law.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in any type of maritime accident, you need more than just a personal injury lawyer; you need a legal team with profound experience in the intricate rules and regulations governing offshore and navigable waters. At our firm, our dedicated Admiralty Accident Lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of injured maritime workers and passengers across the Gulf Coast and nationwide, ensuring they receive the full compensation for their catastrophic losses.
Often used interchangeably, Admiralty Law and Maritime Law constitute a complex body of federal law that governs activities, commerce, torts, and injuries that occur on navigable waters. These laws have evolved over centuries, drawing from international treaties, federal statutes, and court decisions.
While the terms are largely synonymous in modern legal practice, historically, “Admiralty Law” often referred more to the procedural aspects and jurisdiction of maritime courts, while “Maritime Law” encompassed the substantive rules. Today, they collectively address a vast array of issues, including:
A key component of maritime law is its application to “navigable waters” – waterways used, or capable of being used, for interstate or foreign commerce. This includes oceans, bays, sounds, large lakes, and significant rivers like the Mississippi River and its tributaries that connect to the Gulf. Most maritime accident cases fall under federal court jurisdiction, though sometimes they can be heard in state courts under the “Saving to Suitors” clause, applying federal maritime law principles.
Our firm has extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of maritime and admiralty accidents, including:
Workers on oil rigs, drilling platforms, and other offshore installations face extreme hazards. Accidents can involve falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, explosions, fires, and transportation incidents.
The sheer size and complexity of commercial vessels mean accidents can be devastating. These include:
While often seen as leisure, boating and cruising carry significant risks:
Workers in these crucial land-based maritime environments face dangers from heavy machinery, falling objects, hazardous materials, and vessel movements.
We also handle highly specialized cases such as:
Depending on your role and the circumstances of your injury, specific federal laws govern your right to compensation:
For “seamen” – crew members who spend a significant portion of their time working on a vessel “in navigation” – the Jones Act is paramount. It allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence that caused or contributed to their injury. This includes negligence related to unsafe equipment, inadequate training, or an unseaworthy vessel. The Jones Act also guarantees “maintenance and cure,” covering living expenses and medical care during recovery, regardless of fault.
If you are a maritime worker injured on a dock, pier, wharf, terminal, or on a vessel that is not “in navigation” (e.g., a ship being repaired), and you do not qualify as a “seaman,” you are likely covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This federal workers’ compensation system provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation without needing to prove employer fault.
General Maritime Law provides remedies beyond specific statutes. It includes the concept of “unseaworthiness,” which holds vessel owners strictly liable for providing a vessel that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose, even if no negligence can be proven. This also forms the basis for negligence claims brought by injured passengers on various vessels.
In tragic cases where a maritime accident results in a fatality occurring more than three nautical miles from shore, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) allows certain surviving family members to recover economic damages.
Maritime injury claims are distinct from typical land-based personal injury cases. They demand highly specialized legal knowledge, substantial resources, and an unwavering commitment to clients.
Our attorneys possess an in-depth understanding of the nuances of the Jones Act, LHWCA, DOHSA, and general maritime law. We know how these federal statutes intersect and how to apply them effectively to your unique case.
We regularly go head-to-head with large cruise lines, powerful shipping companies, and major offshore energy corporations. We are not intimidated by their resources and are prepared to litigate aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Maritime accidents often result in severe, long-term injuries. We work with leading medical, vocational, and economic experts to meticulously assess all your damages, including:
Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Report the accident to your supervisor or the vessel’s captain and ensure an official incident report is created. Document the scene with photos/videos if possible. Do NOT sign any documents or give recorded statements to your employer, their insurer, or their legal representatives without first consulting with an experienced maritime attorney.
For most maritime injury claims under the Jones Act or General Maritime Law, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury. However, some types of claims (like certain cruise ship passenger tickets or claims against government vessels) may have significantly shorter deadlines (e.g., one year or six months for notice). It is crucial to contact a maritime lawyer as soon as possible.
“Maintenance and cure” are no-fault benefits owed to injured seamen under general maritime law. “Maintenance” covers your basic living expenses (like rent, food) while you are recovering, and “cure” covers all necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to your work-related injury until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Yes. Under maritime law, a principle known as “comparative negligence” applies. This means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages, although your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Your employer has a duty to provide medical care, but you have the right to choose your own physician. Be wary of any pressure to return to work before you are medically cleared or to see only doctors chosen by your employer. Consult your attorney immediately if you feel pressured or if your medical care is being compromised.
A serious injury sustained in a maritime accident can have profound and lasting consequences on your life, your health, and your financial stability. You deserve dedicated legal representation that understands the unique complexities of Admiralty and Maritime Law. At our firm, our Gulf Coast Maritime Injury Lawyers have a proven track record of successfully advocating for injured seamen, offshore workers, and passengers. We are ready to put our extensive knowledge and resources to work for you, ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable and you receive the full compensation you deserve.
