Located on the shore of the Puget Sound, Tacoma and its port make up the center of business activity for the South Sound region. With a city motto of “When rails meet sails,” Tacoma’s railway located by Commencement Bay serves the Port of Tacoma, making it an even more productive economic area and one of the largest harbors in the Pacific Northwest. The marine transportation industry in Tacoma includes shipping terminal activity, warehousing, distributing, and manufacturing, handling over thirteen million tons of cargo, employing about 50,000, and generating more than $30 billion of commerce each year.
There are many hazards on the waters surrounding Tacoma, which is dictated by changing weather patterns and strong currents. These conditions can create perils for those working in the maritime industry on and around Puget Sound. When maritime employees are hurt on the job, it is very important that they know their rights to seek justice. A seasoned and knowledgeable Tacoma maritime lawyer with Mariner Law, PLLC can help clients achieve the compensation they deserve under the circumstances.
With the help of state and federal laws, compensation may be available to seamen and shoreside workers who have been hurt or fallen ill while on the job. Laws like the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) are in place to give hardworking Washingtonians the chance to file claims against parties responsible for harm such as ship owners, maritime employers, and other negligent entities in the maritime industry. Additionally, ancient maritime laws like Maintenance and Cure ensure financial support is in place for room and board and medical expenses to seaman injury victims during their recovery period.
Employment on or around the waterways of Tacoma can expose maritime workers to unique perils of the sea not experienced by other Washington workers. Improper handling of these perils all too often ends in the tragic death or severe injury of an individual. With this in mind, if an employer or vessel is negligent and does not place proper protocols and safeguards in place to protect their maritime employees, the employer may be liable for money damages under maritime law. Incidences of maritime negligence may result in:
Drownings
Head injuries
Slip and falls
Falling from heights
Severe burns
Crush injuries
Fractured bones
Shock
Going overboard
Exposure to toxins
Death
A specialist maritime injury attorney from Mariner Law, PLLC knows what it takes to fight for rightful compensation in an admiralty death or personal injury case. The firms stands ready to help guide you through the maritime injury claims system and identify your best course of action. To find out what an admiralty law firm can do to help you or a loved one, call (253) 600-2531 today and schedule a free, no obligation consultation. A Washington admiralty attorney may also be able to meet by appointment at the firm's Tacoma office: 539 Broadway #412 Tacoma, WA 98402.