Along the coastal regions of United States, maritime companies such as oil companies, fishing vessels, shipping companies, and more, all employ numerous types of maritime employees such as cruise ship workers, dock workers, oil rig workers, seamen and more.
Maritime workers are at high risk of suffering serious injuries while employed for a maritime employer due various hazardous conditions such as unsafe working conditions, gas explosions, unsafe equipment, improperly trained employees, unseaworthy vessels and more. When such injuries or even loss of life occurs, maritime workers should hire maritime lawyers to help them seek compensation for the injuries sustained.
Maritime lawyers specialize in handling cases that fall under maritime law. Maritime laws are different than state worker compensation programs and state personal injury laws so it is important to have experienced maritime lawyer representation to protect your rights and be your advocate when seeking compensation from those deemed negligent for the accident causing your injury.
When selecting a maritime lawyer, there are a variety factors you must consider. When consulting with a maritime lawyer, inquire about the maritime claims they’ve tried and won. Knowledge and experience is essential when hiring a maritime lawyer. As well, the lawyer you select must be willing to answer all of your questions and have the resources to provide quality representation.
You should also consider hiring a maritime lawyer who will consider all options to resolving the claim, whether it’s negotiating a settlement or taking the case to trial. It is important to make sure the lawyer you hire has trial experience as well as the time and resources to ensure excellent legal representation.
If you have been injured while working for a maritime employer or if you have a family member who has died while working for a maritime employer due to a maritime accident, it is sensible to seek the advice of a lawyer that specializes in maritime law so that you will have effective representation and have your legal rights protected. It is important to consult with such a lawyer before you accept an offer by the employer or ship owner’s insurance lawyers so that you will know if you are being treated fairly.
A maritime lawyer understands all areas of maritime law and civil litigation, has experience in personal injury lawsuits involving maritime accidents causing personal injury, and will work in your behalf to get you the just compensation that you deserve.
Because maritime workers are exposed to a wide range of dangerous situations, there is always a risk of injury or death. Maritime lawyers represent maritime workers or their families in serious, catastrophic injury or wrongful death claims that have resulted from an act of negligence or an unseaworthy condition that caused the accident while working at sea, as well as in coastal areas. Maritime laws are unique and can be complex when dealing with a personal injury claim so it is wise to hire a professional maritime lawyer to protect your rights.