So often, we speak with clients who don’t even realize that they have a valid maritime claim because the word “maritime” can be misleading.
In a legal sense, the word maritime doesn’t mean just “water;”
it can mean so much more, which is why it’s important to speak with an attorney who has experience in this area.
As a rule of thumb, if you are injured while you are on a ship, barge, tug, ferry, or rig, that is in navigable waters, like the Gulf of Mexico or Mississippi River, your claim will likely be considered maritime. But, did you also know that you might have a valid maritime claim even if you were injured on land or onshore? For instance, if you got hurt while working in a shipyard, at a port or harbor, or on a dock or pier, you still might qualify as a maritime worker.
And as any “maritime” worker knows, it’s more dangerous than your average job. Due to the hazardous nature of the work environments, common accidents can include a variety of incidents such as slip and falls, collisions, use of unsafe or defective equipment, relying on improperly trained personnel, or unsafe working conditions in general. And, unfortunately, many more…
So if you sustained an injury, even if it’s inland or onshore, and suspect that you might have a valid maritime claim, please call to talk to one of our personal injury attorneys so that you are aware of your possible rights under maritime law.