Maritime Accident Attorney in Corpus, Texas
If you’ve suffered an injury at sea, the process of obtaining fair compensation can be particularly challenging. With the complex laws surrounding maritime accidents, the assistance of an experienced maritime accident attorney in Corpus, Texas can make all the difference.
Understanding Maritime Accidents
Maritime accidents can occur in various ways, including collisions, explosions, falls, and fires. These accidents can lead to devastating injuries and even fatalities. They can involve commercial and recreational vessels and offshore drilling platforms, among others.
Maritime accidents tend to have complicated legal ramifications, making them different from typical personal injury claims. This is because the laws governing maritime accidents are unique from those governing land-based accidents, making it critical to retain an attorney with experience in these specific types of accidents.
Why Hire a Maritime Accident Attorney in Corpus?
Maritime law is a complex and highly specialized area of law. An attorney experienced in this field understands the unique challenges that come with a maritime accident case. They can provide the following crucial services:
1. Help navigate complex laws
Maritime law is a highly nuanced and specialized area of law, making it imperative to retain a competent attorney who understands it inside and out. Hiring a maritime accident attorney can ensure that someone helps your case navigate through this nuanced and complicated legal landscape.
2. Provide experienced legal advocacy
Having an experienced attorney on your side means that your case will benefit from someone who knows what to do. A competent maritime accident attorney will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and conduct comprehensive investigations to build the strongest possible case.
3. Ensure fair compensation
A qualified maritime accident lawyer will fight for the maximum possible compensation. As noted, maritime accidents can be incredibly costly, and it can take years of recovery before you can regain your pre-accident footing. Without the assistance of an experienced attorney, there’s a chance you may not receive the compensation you deserve.
The Importance of Hiring an Attorney Quickly
After a maritime accident, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. This is critical for a couple of reasons:
1. Statute of limitations
As with most legal cases, there are time limits for filing your case, and maritime accidents are no exception. Under the Jones Act (a federal law that governs personal-injury suits involving seamen), you must file your case within three years of the date of the accident. For bodily injuries, the general statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. By retaining an attorney as soon as possible, you will ensure you have ample time to pursue your case.
2. Witnesses and evidence
Just like in any legal case, it’s critical to gather evidence and witness statements as soon as possible before memories fade, or the evidence becomes lost or damaged. By retaining legal counsel immediately, you can ensure that essential evidence is preserved.
Maritime Accident Attorney Fees
Most maritime attorneys charge on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay upfront legal fees. Instead, the attorney will take a percentage (usually around 30-50%) of any compensation they win for you.
It’s also essential to consider the contingency fee percentage when selecting an attorney. Going for the lowest fee may seem like the best option; however, lower fees can often mean that the lawyer has less experience or fewer resources to invest in your case.
The Bottom Line
Maritime accidents can be incredibly devastating events that lead to severe long-term injuries or fatalities. If you’ve suffered an injury due to a maritime accident, you may be entitled to compensation. But, given the unique legal challenges that come with these types of cases, it’s imperative to retain an experienced maritime accident attorney in Corpus, Texas.
With the right legal representation, you’ll be able to navigate the complicated legal landscape, maximize your compensation, and hopefully move on with your life after your injury.