What are the Maritime Claims a Maritime Lawyer deals with

Offshore injuries may be caused by a multitude of factors, but, no matter what caused them, related claims are governed by various statues and state laws. When you are looking to hire an offshore injury lawyer, you need to make sure that the attorney you have chosen has complete knowledge of these laws and their effects on your ability to seek financial compensation.

When these laws are properly applied by your Houston maritime lawyer, you may have the opportunity to get the compensation that will allow you to rebuild and move on with your life despite the emotional and physical impact of a serious offshore accident.

Here are a few topics related to maritime claims:

•     Jones Act Claims - you can file a lawsuit against your employer and seek compensation for injuries caused by negligence or an unseaworthy vessel under the Jones Act. The Jones Act was created in 1920 and it only applies to seamen. Your Houston maritime lawyer should be able to determine if the Jones Act applies to your case.

•     General Maritime Law Claims - as your offshore injury lawyer will inform you, the general Maritime law refers to claims filed by workers, seamen, longshoremen or harbor workers for injuries they’ve suffered offshore due to unseaworthy vessels. Within this context, they can sue the employer for medical expenses and other costs related to their injuries.

•     Maintenance, Cure, and Unearned Wages Claims - check with your Houston maritime lawyer of you qualify for a lawsuit under the Maintenance, Cure and Unearned Wages. According to this law, the ship owner is liable to pay maintenance and cure benefits for an injured seaman, regardless of fault. These benefits are to be paid until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement. The employer must also pay all wages that the seaman would have gained if the seaman had not been injured. This type of claims is usually very hard to recover and that is the reason you need an offshore injury lawyer.

•     Wrongful Death Claims - Unfortunately, offshore accidents are many times fatal. In such cases, the family is entitled to seek compensation by way of wrongful death claims. Although no amount of money can compensate the loss of their loved one, the family can at least cover costs with funeral and medical bills. A lawsuit may help them get compensation for future earnings that they’ve been deprived through the death of their loved one.

A Houston maritime lawyer is your best ally when you have to fight for your rights. Offshore accidents can have a tremendous impact on the lives of those injured and their families. They often involve a long recovery that includes extensive treatment, frequent visits to the doctor, surgical procedures, and medications. The consequences may include permanent disability or a partially impaired life. Over the years, the costs of an injury can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. That is why those suffering need a compassionate and competent offshore injury lawyer by their side.