The maritime industry is an interesting, wide-ranging field of jobs and careers. From servicing ships to operating offshore drilling rigs and everything in between, working in the maritime industry isn’t for the faint of heart. Most of these jobs involve dangerous and often risky working conditions, so keeping maritime workers safe is a top priority.
Maritime law, like the industry itself, is complex and unique to a specialized and daring few. It can apply to everything from commercial or recreational accidents on water and vessel vandalism or pirates, to hazardous material spills. But there are several subsets of the law that specifically govern and protect maritime workers who are injured on the job. These laws are meant to provide injured workers with relief in the form of medical benefits or expenses, and/or wage benefits or lost income due to the injury.
The Jones Act and The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
What type of relief you may be entitled to will depend on what classification of maritime worker you may be. For instance, The Jones Act was established in the 1920s to protect “seamen” from temporary disability or financial ruin while recovering from their injury. The law allows for up to three years from the time a seaman was injured to bring a lawsuit if negligence played a part in their injuries. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, on the other hand, was established to protect maritime workers who weren’t considered “seamen,” but who also weren’t covered by state laws- it fills the gap between The Jones Act and state workers’ compensation laws. These, and other laws, cover a variety of maritime occupations including, but certainly not limited, to:
- Drilling crews
- Harbor workers
- Longshoremen
- Seamen
- Shipbuilders
Contact a Louisana Maritime Attorney Today
If you or a loved one work in the maritime industry and have suffered an accident or injury, and you are not receiving the treatment you deserve under the maritime laws, you should consult with an experienced maritime lawyer as soon as possible. Call (504) 500-1111 to contact Scott Vicknair’s maritime lawyers for a discussion of your rights, and an evaluation of your potential claim. Our maritime lawyers know how to navigate the complexities of the maritime law and industry so that our clients receive fair compensation and treatment. Don’t wait, contact us today!