Introduction
The maritime industry is one of the most important sectors of the United States economy. However, working in the maritime industry can be a dangerous occupation. Seafarers are exposed to many risks, including accidents, injuries, and illnesses. If you are a seafarer who has been injured while working at sea, you may need the assistance of a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston.
What is Maritime Law?
Maritime law is a collection of laws, statutes, and regulations that govern navigable waters, including oceans, rivers, and lakes. Maritime law is also known as admiralty law. It covers a wide range of legal issues related to shipping, commerce, and navigation. It includes laws related to personal injury, property damage, maritime liens, cargo claims, and maritime contracts.
How can a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer help you?
If you are a seafarer who has been injured while working at sea, you need the help of a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston. A maritime personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights as a maritime worker. They can help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.
A maritime personal injury lawyer can also help you navigate the complex legal process involved in filing a maritime injury claim. They can help you understand the federal and state laws that apply to your case and guide you through the legal process. They can help you gather evidence, obtain medical records, and retain the services of experts to support your claim.
Types of Maritime Injury Claims
There are many types of maritime injury claims. The most common types of maritime injury claims include:
1. Jones Act Claims
The Jones Act is a federal law that provides seafarers with the right to seek compensation from their employers for injuries that are caused by the negligence of the employer or the crew. To qualify for a Jones Act claim, you must be a seafarer who is injured while working onboard a vessel that is engaged in navigation or commerce.
2. Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act Claims
The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act is a federal law that provides compensation to maritime workers who are injured while working on or near the navigable waters of the United States. This includes workers who work on docks, piers, wharves, and other maritime facilities.
3. Death on the High Seas Act Claims
The Death on the High Seas Act is a federal law that provides compensation to the surviving family members of seafarers who are killed while working at sea. This includes compensation for lost income, funeral expenses, and other damages.
4. Maintenance and Cure Claims
Maintenance and cure claims are claims that seafarers can bring against their employers for injuries and illnesses that occur while they are working at sea. Maintenance and cure benefits include medical expenses and a daily subsistence payment while the injured seafarer is unable to work.
Conclusion
When you work in the maritime industry, you face many risks. If you are injured while working at sea, you need the help of a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the complex legal process involved in filing a maritime injury claim. Contact a maritime personal injury lawyer today to learn more about how they can assist you with your case.