San Francisco Maritime Injury Attorneys
Maritime work is recognized as on one of the most hazardous industries, and workers frequently suffer serious injury or even death while working at sea. The National Safe Boating Council reports that in 2002 alone, there were more than 750 maritime worker fatalities. To protect the rights of employees in almost any type of maritime work, the United States has three major maritime laws: The Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act and the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act. These acts cover specific jobs that include, but are not limited to:
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If you have been injured while on the job as a maritime worker, you may be able to take legal action against the negligent or careless parties who caused your injury. With the wide variety of occupations and situations maritime law applies to, maritime injury claims are often complex. An experienced San Francisco maritime injury attorney at Estey Bomberger can offer you answers to any questions you have regarding maritime laws and your legal rights. A lawyer familiar with the legal issues relevant to injuries that occur at sea can also determine if you are eligible to receive monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering.
Maritime Injuries
Physically demanding work in hazardous conditions with heavy machinery puts maritime workers at high risk for catastrophic injuries or death. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the task being performed, injuries can include:
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Maritime Law
Maritime workers that have been injured on the job have several legal avenues for collecting financial help for their serious injuries. Several statutes have been put into place to protect workers and their families. These include:
The Jones Act
The Jones Act, formerly the Merchant Marine Act, protects seamen who are injured because of the negligence of their employer or co-worker and allows them to seek compensation for their injuries. Seamen may also bring a lawsuit against the vessel’s owner for not providing a seaworthy vessel. In order to qualify for the Jones Act the maritime worker must spend at least 30 percent of their service time on board a vessel.
Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
Death on the High Seas Act states that when the death of a person was caused by a negligent or wrongful act and occurred more than 3 nautical miles form the shore of any state, a personal representative of the decedent may file a lawsuit of their behalf. This act benefits any financially dependent relatives and provides only monetary damages.
Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act
The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act provide worker’s compensation benefits for maritime employees that are not seamen. Workers are entitled to disability benefits and rehabilitation services. Benefits are also available to survivors of a worker death. Under this act the employer does not have to be at fault for the employee to receive benefits.
Consult with a San Francisco Maritime Injury Attorney
A San Francisco personal injury attorney at Estey Bomberger is available for a free consultation to review your case. Contact us at (415) 877-1334 to discuss your case with a San Francisco maritime injury lawyer. We will guide you through the claim process at no cost to you. If we handle your case, we will not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for you.