Mississippi Maritime Lawyers

Mississippi maritime lawyers help offshore workers who have suffered injuries while working at sea recover compensation for their injuries and get their lives back in order.

Why Are Mississippi Maritime Lawyers Needed?

Dangerously unpredictable weather has been known to set back Mississippi's economy, the most recent example being the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. However, the states' vast network of waterways and oil refineries provide a solid foundation for secure employment and the generation of vital revenues.

This makes the maritime industry one of the primary industries in Mississippi.

As with most industries, the maritime industry does have some drawbacks, particularly when it comes to the unique dangers that maritime workers face when working. Along with unpredictable weather, exposure to toxins, regular use of heavy machinery and various other factors make occupations in the maritime industry significantly more dangerous that jobs in many other fields.

As a result, lawmakers have enacted and regularly amend a distinct law – known as the Jones Act – that specifically protects the rights of maritime workers, should they be injured or killed while working. Mississippi maritime workers devote their practice to helping injured seamen throughout the state of Mississippi.

How the Jones Act Works

Also referred to as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act:

stipulates that injured maritime employees will be entitled to compensation if they are injured on the job (as long as they can prove that the negligence or recklessness of a captain, ship owner or crew member contributed to the injuries sustained)
allows maritime employees to collect settlements if they are made to sail on an “unseaworthy” vessel
provides families of deceased maritime employees with death benefits, should their loved one by killed when working in the maritime industry

Who is Covered Under the Jones Act?

Employees regularly covered by the Jones Act include (but aren't limited to):

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

Offshore Accidents and Injuries

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were over 27,000 offshore accidents in 2008. Types of maritime accidents recorded most frequently include:

capsizing
collisions
crushing incidents
diver or skier mishaps
explosions
heavy lifting accidents
overboard falls

While such offshore accidents may only result in minor injuries, when more severe damage is done, maritime injuries may include:

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

How a Mississippi Maritime Lawyer Can Help

Maritime workers who have suffered any of the above injuries while at work will likely be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. Mississippi maritime lawyers have a thorough understanding of maritime laws and will know how to proceed with your case according to your unique circumstances.

A Mississippi maritime attorney will help you recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to and will fight tirelessly to ensure all your rights are protected. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced maritime attorney, please contact us today.

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