Maritime Law

Maritime law provides workers the opportunity to obtain compensation for injuries suffered offshore or in the maritime industry.  Maritime law is complex.  Employers and their insurance companies often resist paying compensation to injured workers.  The following maritime laws form the basis of offshore and maritime injury law:

The Jones Act

Formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act was enacted to protect seamen who risked their lives facing the perils of the seas in their daily work.

Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act provides certain workers' compensation benefits for maritime workers who are not seamen.

Death on the High Seas Act

Originally passed in 1920, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), was intended to make it easier for the widows of seamen to recover damages for future earnings when the death of a seaman happens in international waters.

General Maritime Law

General Maritime Law is the common law that has been created through the court system dating back to British admiralty law. The right to maintenance and cure following a maritime injury is part of this law, as are claims related to the unseaworthiness of a vessel.

It's important to recognize that not all maritime statutes will apply to every case. Compare maritime laws and learn the key differences in the scope and applicability of each.

To consult with an experienced maritime lawyer in a free initial consultation, call toll free (866) 222-2606 or contact us using the form on this page.