Mankind has long recognized that waterborne transport of people and cargo is subject to increased risks. These dangers are sometimes referred to as "the perils of the seas." While this sounds like an old notion, the perils remain just as real today as they did over 100 years ago when the Jones Act was passed by Congress. But taking to the seas remains crucial for the world economy. It's a common thread that connects nations. That's why maritime law is so important. With 90% of goods on the planet being transported by vessel, it is imperative that the law take care of the mariners supporting the marine transportation industry.
It's difficult to imagine the breadth of possible maritime accidents. Vessels, cargo, crew, weather, geographic location, and timing are just a few of the many relevant factors. A momentary lapse of judgment, a pattern and practice of disrepair, or any combination of negligent actions at sea can lead to personal injuries or death. Maritime accidents occur in the open ocean, near shore, at the pier, and on the many navigable bodies of water in the United States.
The victims of maritime accidents and incidents can be anyone on or around a vessel. This includes shipboard employees like Merchant Mariners, captains, crew, deckhands, masters, mates, able seamen, engineers, ordinary seamen, stewards, cooks, and anyone else employed in service of a vessel as their primary occupation. Vessel negligence can also harm passengers, longshoremen, surveyors, inspectors, linesmen, stevedores, and other land-based workers. Commercial divers, recreational boaters, tour boat passengers, and cruise ships patrons all face risk when a maritime casualty occurs.
Mariner Law, PLLC is a maritime law firm that has experience with the following types of maritime accidents:
Tug and Barge Incidents
Boarding / Gangway/ Stairway Incidents
Cargo Handling Incidents
Commercial Fishing Incidents
Charter Boat Incidents
Crane Incidents
Cruise Ship Incidents
Defective Equipment Incidents
Dinner Boat Incidents
Dredge Incidents
Dry Dock Incidents
Engine Room Incidents
Fires and Explosion Incidents
Ferry Incidents
Jet Ski Incidents
Jetboat Incidents
Marine Pilot Incidents
Mooring Line Incidents
Recreational Boating Incidents
Slip / Trip / Fall Incidents
Tour Boat Incidents
Toxic Exposure Incidents
Tugboat Incidents
Wind Farm Incidents
Injuries resulting from these accidents can range from inconvenient, to life-changing, to life-ending. In many instances, victims may be entitled to monetary compensation with the assistance of an offshore injury lawyer. The Jones Act, general maritime law, the doctrine of unseaworthiness, maintenance and cure, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and other legal framework may be relevant to a claim.
Mariner Law, PLLC is proud to assist mariners through injuries resulting from maritime accidents from coast to coast. It is common for mariners to spend time serving vessels far from where they live day-to-day. That means that the work of a maritime attorney can span hundreds of miles in a single case. Maritime law firms, like Mariner Law, PLLC, can handle claims in almost any state or jurisdiction using the assistance of a local attorney network. However, Mariner Law, PLLC is pleased to be licensed and handle matters in Washington, Alaska, Oregon, New York, and Connecticut. The firm also has offices by appointment located at:
539 Broadway #412 Tacoma, WA 98402
4949 S. Macadam Ave. Portland, OR 97239
40 Wall Street 27th Floor New York, NY 10005
If you or a loved one was involved in an accident on or even near the water, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Admiralty law and personal injury claims are unique and require the hand of a salty and experienced Jones Act lawyer to navigate. Don't go it alone or guess at what benefits you should be getting. Consulting a maritime attorney at Mariner Law, PLLC is free and there is no obligation attached to the call. Tell the firm about your maritime incident and learn about your options now: (888) 572-1717.