Working off the coast can be dangerous, with some injuries resulting in life-altering consequences. The laws that cover these incidents are not always easy to navigate, especially without the help of a seasoned injury attorney.

Obtaining compensation after being hurt while working on a ship looks different than most personal injury claims. Admiralty law provides an option to pursue damages, but the process can be complicated without the help of a Philadelphia maritime injury lawyer. Get in touch with the team at the Marrone Law Firm, LLC to discover the best path for your unique case.

Understanding Maritime Accidents

The way injuries happen in maritime incidents can vary, but often they occur from a traumatic accident involving a collision with another vessel or general workplace negligence. Harm may also result from a ship taking on water or sinking.

Some workers are injured due to extreme cold exposure, particularly when thrown from the vessel, and other situations are similar to traditional negligence lawsuits, like when a person slips and falls on deck.

Common Boat and Dockworker Injuries

There is an extensive list of ailments that can result from maritime accidents. These conditions could alter a person’s life forever, from crushing injuries to exposure to extreme weather. Some of the most common examples include the following:

Pursuing fair compensation in the aftermath of an offshore injury can be difficult without support. A Philadelphia maritime injury attorney could help a worker seek claims for damages for any of these conditions.

What Compensation is Available?

When it comes to recovering compensation for an injury, these incidents are different from most workplace accidents. Instead of pursuing a negligence lawsuit or filing a workers’ compensation claim, these cases are typically covered by federal law. The types of damages available depend on which statute applies to the case.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

The LHWCA is a federal statute that provides financial compensation for on-the-job injuries that occur on navigable waters or in adjoining areas. Most often, these claims are made by longshoremen, shipbuilders, and dockworkers. This is different from the Jones Act, which primarily focuses on sea-based injuries.

When these claims are successful, they can lead to economic compensation based on the severity of the injury. This typically includes medical bills, lost wages, and vocational training costs if the injured person cannot return to work. Survivor benefits may also be an option for family members following a fatal accident.

The Jones Act

The Jones Act is a federal law that allows seamen to bring injury claims on a vessel when a co-worker, a ship owner, captain, or other party does something that causes harm. Successful claims can be hard to secure, as this area of the law is complex.

In addition, economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, may be possible to recover. A lawyer in Philadelphia who handles maritime injury cases could provide more information on The Jones Act and how it applies to a client’s situation.

Get in Contact With a Maritime Injury Attorney in Philadelphia Today

Recovering fair compensation for an injury that occurred in the maritime industry is no simple task. Navigating federal law without help can be challenging, and not every legal avenue will be available to every injured party.

Let a Philadelphia maritime injury lawyer advise you on how to proceed. Call for a free, private consultation today.