Being injured on land can be harrowing enough; maritime accidents can be even scarier and devastating. Accidents on the water can happen in the time it takes to blink your eye. Seamen, fishermen, workers on oil and gas rigs and even workers on the dock or drillers on inland waters face hazardous working conditions as part of the job description. Working in these jobs is inherently dangerous, and most folks know this prior to taking on this kind of work. No one is prepared for an accident to happen, especially one that can leave behind horrific injuries and lifelong disabilities and impairments. If you have been hurt in a maritime accident, our Kirkland maritime accident attorney is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve under the law.
Strict liability falls on the employer or the owner of the boat or other vessel on which the accident occurred in most instances of maritime injury. However, from the moment you are injured, the insurer of the boat or employer will begin to work hard to minimize any award you receive for your injury. However, under the Jones Act, employees are owed the duty of having a safe place to work, and the vessels you board must be seaworthy. The crew must be appropriately trained and any equipment used on the vessel must be in good working order and in good shape. In addition, hazardous items, machinery and equipment on board must be used and stored appropriately to avoid any injury on board.
Maintenance and cure claims are similar to worker’s comp claims; they provide compensation for your medical bills and wages when you are injured as a maritime employee. Fault is not as important in a maintenance and cure claim. These types of claims also extend to workers in harbors, ports and docks under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act.
Keep in mind that maritime accidents are not limited to workplace accidents. Passengers and workers on cruise ships and ferries may also have maritime claims. Under maritime law, if passengers on these types of vessels are hurt, the owner or operator of the vessel can be held to account for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages. If your accident caused a permanent or temporary disability, your award will be enhanced to reflect the future loss of income due to your injury and the cost of any care you may need in the future, including medical care, rehab and physical therapy.
If you or someone you love was injured at sea or on the docks, let Russell and Hill help you weigh your legal options. Our Kirkland maritime accident attorney can help advise you of your legal rights and fight for the compensation that you’re owed under the Jones Act and other laws. We have a history of being a champion for the people. Contact us now to schedule your no-cost case review.
