Port Angeles, Washington, located in Clallam County and on the coast of the Olympic Peninsula and Strait of Juan de Fuca, has remained a maritime center for hundreds of years. In the 19th century, when European Americans began to settle, the location was popular for small whaling, fishing and shipping. Given its unique location equidistant to the Pacific Ocean and the Puget Sound region, the port is incredibly productive for marine trade and commerce to this day. It possesses three industrial terminals and a newly-developed Marine Trades Industrial Park. Its deep-water marine terminals can accommodate many vessel types, containers and heavy-lift cargo, and are utilized for ferry service and transportation activities.
The hardworking men and women of the Port Angeles maritime industry are a key part of the region’s economy and community. Unfortunately, as is the case with all ports or waterways, there are many hazards for maritime employees on or near the navigable waters. When these crucial maritime employees are put in harm’s way while on the job, they should rest assured that they have rights and can seek justice for wrongful injuries. Experienced and knowledgeable Port Angeles maritime lawyer Adam Deitz with Mariner Law, PLLC can help clients try to improve their lives after injuries and achieve rightful compensation.
Being employed on a bustling port like Port Angeles can present a myriad of risks that may result in injury or illness if someone acts without reasonable care. The waterways of Washington can be dangerous and subject to change, and employer or vessel-related negligence regularly hurts workers on the job. Incidences that may occur include, but are not limited to:
Falling overboard
Slip and fall accidents
Enclosed space injuries
Chemical burns
Repetitive use injuries
Broken bones and extremities
Exposure to dangerous toxins
Death
If you are a member of the marine transportation industry, you may have rights to compensation if you are hurt at work. U.S. maritime laws like the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) give commercial seamen or shoreside workers the opportunity to file claims against responsible ship owners, employers, and culpable third parties who may have created conditions that resulted in your unfortunate incident. Maritime common law remedies such as Maintenance and Cure may also be available to contribute financial support for room and board as well as medical expenses while an injured seaman recovers from an accident.
Mariner Law, PLLC can provide a specialized maritime lawyer to be a guide, help navigate the complicated maritime legal system, and advise a path towards resolving your case. Don’t hesitate to get the compensation you deserve. To find out what Mariner Law, PLLC can do to help you or a loved one after a maritime injury or death, call (253) 600-2531 today and schedule a free consultation with a Washington maritime lawyer.