Admiralty Attorneys

Admiralty attorneys are skilled in counseling, negotiating and litigating on behalf of individuals and families who are hurt in incidents at sea or on navigable waters, or at employment that contributes to a voyage. Thus, the types of clients that admiralty attorneys represent include:

passengers on cruise ships, other commercial vessels and private recreational vessels
seamen, sailors, crew members, commercial divers
riders and passengers on personal watercraft such as jet skis, wave runners, canoes and kayaks
longshoremen, shipyard workers, harbor welders and pilots
swimmers and water skiers hurt in collisions with boats

Helping Resolve Maritime Disputes and Accidents

Admiralty attorneys may also represent the owners and operators of vessels, whether they are private individuals or corporations. When any dispute or accident occurs on the ocean, territorial waters, or inland waters (e.g., lakes and rivers) large enough for navigation, the legal aspects of the case are best dealt with by admiralty attorneys.

An admiralty attorney can help determine:

Whether your circumstances fall under a maritime (admiralty) jurisdiction and statute (or treaty)
Whether you are a "seaman" employee as defined by the Jones Act (or your status as a passenger or other classification)
Whether the vessel(s) involved in the incident are considered Jones Act vessels
The liability for injuries or illnesses incurred (which may rest with one party only, or be shared)
The legal remedy that would fully compensate the injured for his or her losses

For Example, "Jones Act Vessels"

There are many types of vessels that are covered under the Jones Act (the federal statutes that provide workers' compensation-like benefits for people who work on seagoing vessels or in jobs that contribute to their voyage):

tugboats
barges
dinner cruise boats
cruise ships
commercial fishing vessels
tankers
yachts
sailboats
motorboats
scientific research vessels
jackup rigs
offshore platforms

Fighting for Your Rights

When there is any lack of clarity about an aspect of the Jones Act — such as the vessels or the status of the injured party — an admiralty attorney is the crucial resource for answers. He or she fights for the most favorable interpretation of the laws on behalf of a client.

Discuss Your Case with an Admiralty Attorney

If you have been harmed in an incident in a maritime setting (as an employee or not), it is wise to speak with an experienced admiralty lawyer immediately. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.

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Admiralty Attorneys

Helping Resolve Maritime Disputes and Accidents

For Example, "Jones Act Vessels"

Fighting for Your Rights

Discuss Your Case with an Admiralty Attorney

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