Working on or traveling across the water carries serious risks. From offshore drilling rig explosions to cruise ship slip-and-fall accidents, maritime industry accidents can change lives in seconds. While the oil and gas industry, shipping companies, and cruise lines follow strict maritime laws, mistakes still happen. If you or a loved one has been injured while on a cruise or working on or near the water, it’s important to get help from a maritime lawyer.
At Cardone Law Firm, we understand the complexity of maritime law issues. Our New Orleans maritime lawyers have decades of experience handling maritime claims under admiralty law, the Jones Act, and other maritime statutes. Whether you are a cruise passenger, seaman, longshoreman, or harbor worker, we fight hard to help victims get the compensation and justice they may deserve. From cruise ship illnesses to marine casualty investigations, we have the experience needed to handle your maritime case.
Be sure to tell the cruise line or your employer about the accident as soon as possible. File a report, and ask for a copy. Reporting your injury early helps your case and ensures there are accurate records of the event. If you wait too long, your employer may question the details or claim the injury happened elsewhere. A written report helps prove the time, place, and nature of the incident. It also helps your lawyer build a stronger case if legal action is needed. Always keep a copy of everything you file for your own records.
Maritime injury cases are not the same as regular injury cases. A New Orleans personal injury lawyer with experience in maritime law knows the special rules that apply to accidents on the water. Don’t wait to get legal advice. Maritime laws can be complex and confusing without the right help. A lawyer can explain your rights and guide you through each step of your case. They’ll also know what deadlines apply and what paperwork is needed. Having a skilled injury attorney can help ensure you receive full compensation.
These maritime laws are part of what makes maritime lawyers so important. Each rule has special requirements and deadlines, and a lawyer can help ensure you meet all the stipulations.
Liability refers to who is at fault in an accident. On ships or oil rigs, employers may be held liable for unsafe work areas, inadequate training, equipment failures, or failure to follow safety protocols. In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility.
For injured cruise ship passengers, liability generally falls on the cruise line, though the company may not be held liable if the passenger was at fault for their own injury. For other sea passengers, liability typically falls to the vessel owner.
A maritime injury lawyer can help investigate these complex situations, which may involve multiple companies, international carriers, maritime casualty investigations, or claims under private international law.
Injured maritime workers and cruise ship passengers may be able to get compensation for the following losses through a personal injury claim:
These benefits help maritime workers and their families recover and move forward. An experienced maritime lawyer will push for the highest payout under maritime laws.
Filing your case on time is very important. Below, you can find the deadlines that apply to specific maritime injury cases. Keep in mind that some maritime claims fall under different rules in state and federal courts. A New Orleans maritime lawyer can make sure you don’t miss your deadline.
Passenger Injury (Cruise ship, Ferry) — Often 1 year from the date of injury (check your ticket)
Report the accident, get medical care, and talk to a New Orleans personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. Don’t sign anything from your employer without legal advice.
Whether your case falls under the Jones Act or LHWCA will depend on your technical labor qualification and where you were at the time of the injury. Determining which law applies to your case can be complex, and it can impact the next steps toward getting compensation. A capable legal team like the one at Cardone Law Firm can help you figure out what to do in your case.
You can sue your employer if they were careless or failed to keep your work area safe from accidents. Failing to follow regulations governing workplace safety can also make your employer liable for injuries on the job.
As a contractor, you may still have some coverage and protection under maritime laws such as the LHWCA. Speak to an experienced lawyer to find out which law protects you.
The length of your case depends on the unique factors that affect it. Some cases settle in months, while others may take years, especially if they go to court. A skilled maritime attorney will guide you on all you need to know about your case.
Even if you were partly to blame, you may still recover some damages. Although the amount might be reduced, the law doesn’t ban recovery. Your maritime injury lawyer will guide you through the entire process.
Some do, but many maritime claims fall under federal courts. A maritime attorney will know the best court for your case and provide the legal support you need.
The commission handles certain shipping claims and regulatory matters. It’s mostly focused on commercial maritime law, but it can affect injury claims in rare cases.
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