Introduction
Working on a ship or offshore platform can be a dangerous job that involves navigating the elements and complex machinery. Unfortunately, maritime workers are at risk for serious accidents resulting in personal injury. Unlike land-based workers, those in the maritime industry are covered by different laws, and therefore need to seek legal counsel from a specialized maritime personal injury lawyer. If you are in Nueces County or surrounding areas and have suffered an injury while working in the maritime industry, it is important to understand your rights and options.
Who is a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer?
A maritime personal injury lawyer is a specialized attorney with a deep knowledge of maritime law and the regulations that govern work on waterways. Unlike other personal injury lawyers who focus mainly on accidents that occur on land, maritime injury attorneys understand the complexities of accidents that happen at sea. They specialize in representing clients who work in the maritime industry including oil rigs, barges, shrimp boats, commercial fishing vessels, cargo ships, passenger ships, recreational boats and other vessels.
What Does a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
Maritime personal injury lawyers help injured clients in several ways. They work to hold responsible parties accountable, whether it is a boat owner, operator or manufacturer of equipment used on vessels. They also advocate for clients to receive just compensation for their injuries, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in the case of a wrongful death, damages for loss of future earnings and support.
Maritime personal injury lawyers have knowledge of complex maritime laws, including the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, Death on the High Seas Act, and general maritime law. They also have a deep understanding of industry standards, safety regulations, and the causes of maritime accidents such as inadequate vessel maintenance, vessel collisions, fires, explosions, and slip and falls.
Why Do You Need a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer in Nueces County?
If you are injured on a ship or offshore platform, it is critical to immediately seek the services of a qualified maritime personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the complex world of maritime law. Unlike other personal injury cases, such as auto accidents that happen on shore, maritime injury cases involve federal laws and require a specialized understanding to ensure your legal rights are protected. In addition, maritime cases can involve multiple jurisdictions, potentially lowering settlement amounts if you don’t have an attorney who can ensure all parties are held accountable under the law.
If you live in or around Nueces County and have been involved in a maritime accident, there are several local attorneys who are experts in maritime law and can help you navigate this complex area of the legal system.
How to Choose the Right Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer
Choosing the right maritime personal injury lawyer is vital to the success of your case. You should look for an attorney with experience, not only in maritime law but also in the specific type of accident that caused your injury. You should also look for an attorney who has a history of successfully advocating for their clients and who is willing to go to trial if necessary.
It is important to choose an attorney who is familiar with the local court system, particularly if the case is heard in state court rather than federal court. Additionally, a good maritime personal injury lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who benefited from their services.
Conclusion
If you have been injured in a maritime accident, it is important to seek the services of a maritime personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected. The right attorney can help guide you through the complex legal system and ensure you receive just compensation for your injuries. In Nueces County, there are knowledgeable attorneys with extensive experience in maritime law. Be sure to choose a lawyer who has experience in your particular type of accident, has a successful track record in advocating for clients, and is willing to take your case to trial if necessary. By following these guidelines, you can find the right maritime personal injury lawyer to represent you and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.