If you are injured at sea, there are laws that protect you, including the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. The Jones Act provides compensation for injured workers, but only if they are considered seamen as defined by the law. General Maritime Law is different.

Under General Maritime Law, which encompasses common law remedies for maritime related accidents, injured seamen have additional rights and compensation beyond what is offered by the Jones Act. Plus, General Maritime Law protects injured maritime workers who are not considered seamen under the Jones Act and allows them to recover compensation for their injuries sustained offshore. Family members of workers killed as a result of maritime work are also given legal rights under General Maritime Law.

When an accident occurs offshore, it can be confusing as to which law applies. It is important that the appropriate course of action be taken to ensure a successful outcome to an offshore injury case. That is why you should immediately contact a maritime injury attorney if you have been hurt while working offshore. There are deadlines as to when you can bring an action against a negligent party or file a claim for your injury. If the deadline is missed, you could forfeit your right to compensation.

Contact our law firm today for a free, confidential consultation. We are experienced at representing maritime injury cases and can help you recover monetary damages for your injuries.

The article, “General Maritime Law,” has more information on this topic.

The ocean can be a treacherous place and if you are employed in the maritime industry, you know these risks firsthand. Maritime workers frequently handle heavy machinery and work in conditions that many people would consider extremely dangerous. There are laws that protect injured seamen, including the Jones Act and General Maritime Law.

Understanding General Maritime Law

General Maritime Law includes common law remedies available for maritime related accidents and provides additional rights and compensation for seamen beyond what is offered by the Jones Act. This common law gives legal rights to family members of deceased maritime workers. In addition, General Maritime Law protects injured maritime workers who are not considered seamen as defined by the Jones Act.

Under General Maritime Law, an injured seaman or longshoreman can file a lawsuit for negligence that resulted in the maritime injury against any responsible third party, who is not an employer. Passengers on ships and other vessels can also file general maritime claims for negligence that resulted in damages.

The Jones Act and General Maritime Law are similar in that both laws have deadlines as to when you can file a claim for your injury, which is known as statute of limitations. General maritime claims must be filed within three years from the date of your injury. In some situations, the statute of limitations can be even shorter and if you miss these deadlines, you could forfeit your right to recover monetary damages.

If you have been injured offshore, you may be confused as to what law applies to you. An experienced offshore injury attorney will be able to advise you on the applicable law that protects you, as well as your options to recover compensation for your maritime injuries. Compensation for maritime injuries varies depending on the details of the case. If you have sustained an offshore injury, you should not delay in seeking legal advice. You do not want to miss the deadline to file your injury claim. Contact a knowledgeable maritime injury attorney as soon as possible

Your Legal Rights

The Willis Law Firm has been representing injured maritime workers for over 25 years. Our law firm represents general maritime cases in the Gulf of Mexico, East Coast, West Coast, Inland Rivers – including Mississippi, Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio rivers, Great Lakes, Navigable Rivers and Canals, Fishing Waters of Alaska and the Intracoastal Waterway (IWC). We are committed to helping injured seamen and their families.