Have you suffered an injury while working on a ship? All maritime workers understand the dangers associated with their line of work. Despite the existence of these dangers, no one expects the worst to happen.

When maritime injuries occur, speak to a Boca Raton personal injury law firm promptly to protect your rights and determine your best path forward to recovery.  

How Common are Maritime Injuries?

The working environment of maritime workers is inherently dangerous. However, employers must provide maritime workers with a safe working environment to minimize risk of maritime injuries. Injured maritime workers may directly sue their employer for maritime accidents because of their line of work. 

What Is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act governs maritime personal injury cases. The Act permits those suffering an injury at sea to recover damages for maritime accidents. Created to place a burden on employers to create a safe working environment, the Jones Act protects workers from irresponsible employers.   

The Jones Act requires employers to undertake the following affirmative actions to keep employees safe: 

  • Provide seamen with a relatively safe place to work, and
  • Use ordinary care under the circumstances to maintain and keep the vessel in a safe condition. 

A maritime worker can hold an employer liable for any injuries suffered because of the employer’s negligence. You may file a claim for negligence under the Jones Act in federal or state court. However, it’s advised never to undertake this type of complex claim alone. An experienced personal injury attorney protects your rights as you work to recover for your injuries. 

Types of Maritime Injuries 

Maritime injuries are common. However, this does not make an injury any less devastating to the injured. Common maritime injuries include:

  • Falls overboard,
  • Slip and fall accidents on deck,
  • Exposure to hazardous chemicals,
  • Asphyxiation in enclosed spaces on board, 
  • Chemical burns, 
  • Fires and explosions,
  • Bodily injuries,
  • Fishing accidents, and
  • Dock and pier accidents.

An attorney may assist in obtaining favorable maritime injury settlements when an individual suffers any of the above injuries. Maritime injuries may occur in multiple places while working, including ships, offshore oil rigs, oil tankers, and cargo ships. 

What Can I Recover? 

Workers trying to recover for maritime injuries against their employer may file a claim for negligence, vessel unworthiness, or other reasons. Maritime workers may recover the following damages for their injuries: 

  • Past and future lost wages;
  • Past and future medical expenses, including surgery, rehabilitation, medical supplies, and medication;
  • Physical pain and suffering;
  • Loss of enjoyment;
  • Permanent disfigurement; and 
  • Emotional distress. 

The injuries suffered by maritime workers may vary. However, any accident may cause severe disruption to your life and the life of your loved ones. It’s important not to sit on your rights as you attempt to recover from your maritime injuries. 

A statute of limitations limits your time to bring a claim for maritime injuries. For example, for claims under the Jones Act, you must sue for your maritime injuries within three years of the injury. After the passing of this period, you may be barred from bringing a claim. Different maritime injuries may provide for a different statute of limitations.

Therefore, it is important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your best course of action. 

Contact Us

The attorneys at Grossman Attorneys at Law understand the uncertainty and fear that may result after suffering a maritime injury. Even with these risks, no one truly expects to suffer an injury at work. You may take all the precautions necessary, but if your employer cannot provide you with a safe working environment, the risk is inescapable. Even minor injuries disrupt your life.

Grossman Attorneys at Law carefully reviews the particular circumstances of your case and provides you with focused legal support. We work hard to achieve a positive result on your behalf. Maritime injuries represent a complex area of personal injury law. Get an experienced attorney from Grossman Attorneys at Law to support you through the recovery process.

Grossman Attorneys at Law knows the best course of action to address multiple potential claims under the broad umbrella of maritime injuries. We provide a free case review for all clients.

Please contact us today!

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