Mississippi Admiralty Lawyer

With its vast waterways and its Gulf of Mexico coastline, Mississippi is a state that heavily relies on the oil and maritime industries to stimulate its local economy via jobs and annual revenues.

Unfortunately, however, the maritime industry does come with its own unique risks, especially when it comes to increasing the chances that its workforce will be injured or killed on the job. Exposure to hazardous substances, unpredictable waters and regular use of heavy machinery are among the dangers associated with working a maritime occupation.

Mississippi admiralty lawyers are work accident attorneys who focus much of their practice on obtaining settlements for maritime workers injured on the job, as well as families of deceased maritime workers (who died while working).

Compensation for Offshore Injuries: The Jones Act

Due to the elevated risks of working in the maritime industry, these workers are protected by a specific law – known as the Jones Act or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 – rather than Mississippi's traditional workers' compensation laws.

According to the Jones Act, injured maritime workers are legally entitled to compensation if:

They are injured while working
They can prove that their injuries were caused or intensified by a ship owner's, captain's or crew member's negligence or recklessness

The term “maritime employee” refers to a vast range of occupations, including (but not limited to):

cargo unloaders
crane operators
cruise ship employees
dock workers
ferry workers
fishermen and crabbers
longshoremen
oil workers and pipe layers
seamen and officers
technicians, electricians and engineers who work aboard sea vessels
tug and barge hands

When to Meet with a Mississippi Admiralty Lawyer

Maritime workers can sustain a number of mild to severe injuries, including (but not limited to) the following, when working:

back and neck injuries
burns
crushing injuries
disfigurement
drownings
electrocutions
falls (including those resulting from slippery surfaces, collapse of structures, faulty equipment, etc.)
fractures
loss of limbs
permanent disabilities
traumatic brain injury

Following any offshore accident and injury, it's vital that injured maritime workers:

Seek emergency medical care to prevent further health complications
Follow through with all long-term prescribed care for optimal chances of recovery
Meet with an experienced Mississippi admiralty lawyer to learn more about their legal rights

During a free initial consultation, prospective plaintiffs can:

Get a thorough evaluation of their case
Find out if the Jones Act entitles them to a settlement for their injuries and losses
Learn more about the process associated with securing a Jones Act settlement
Get expert advice regarding the best manner in which to pursue their case

Have you or a loved one been injured while working in the maritime industry? If so, contact us today to talk to an experienced Mississippi admiralty lawyer who will evaluate your claim and help you win the compensation you deserve.

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Mississippi Admiralty Lawyer

Compensation for Offshore Injuries: The Jones Act

When to Meet with a Mississippi Admiralty Lawyer

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