In 2023, 564 people died in recreational boating accidents, and there were 2,126 injuries. Globally, 38 ships were lost in 2022, most of them in the South China, Indochina, Indonesia, and the Philippines region.
Working in the maritime industry is dangerous. Between 2011 and 2016, there were 9,500 non-fatal injuries on commercial vessels, plus 74 fatal ones. Port workers also work in dangerous conditions, with around one in 20 employees injured during the same five-year period.
Maritime injuries are complex and often devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working on a ship, boat, offshore platform, dock, or any other maritime workplace, hiring a maritime injury attorney is crucial for getting the compensation you deserve.
They Understand Maritime Laws and Legal Complexities
Maritime injury cases fall under a complex web of federal laws like the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and laws governing maintenance and cure. These laws have intricate differences and standards compared to regular state personal injury laws.
An experienced maritime injury lawyer in Houston, Texas like Brian White from Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, understands these complex federal laws and how to build the strongest case under them. They know how to prove negligence and liability on vessels and offshore platforms. Their expertise can make all the difference in whether you recover full compensation or not.
They Handle Claims Against Multiple Potentially Liable Parties
Maritime accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties like vessel owners, operators, captains, crew members, dock owners, stevedore companies, etc. Each of these parties may share fault and liability for the accident to varying degrees.
You need a lawyer who can identify all potentially liable parties in an accident and file claims against each of them. This increases the chances of securing full compensation for your losses.
They Can Access Vital Evidence
Evidence like log books, vessel inspection records, employee records, video footage, etc., can make or break a maritime injury case. However, this evidence can disappear quickly.
Maritime lawyers know how to act fast in gathering and preserving evidence before it gets destroyed. They can access records and witnesses through proper legal procedures. This enables them to build a much stronger case with hard evidence.
They Level the Playing Field Against Powerful Companies
Maritime companies often have vast resources and their own experienced legal teams. They can easily overwhelm an individual without expert legal help on their side.
A maritime lawyer has the resources and acumen to challenge high-paid insurance company lawyers and hold maritime companies fully accountable.
They Can Handle Complex Calculation of Damages
Maritime accident injuries can have complex financial impacts like lost wages, diminished earning capacity, high medical costs, etc. Calculating and proving these monetary damages requires forensic accounting skills and the help of expert witnesses.
They Can Negotiate Optimal Settlements
Most maritime injury cases settle out of court before trial. An expert maritime attorney has the negotiation skills and litigation experience to secure the best possible settlement from maritime companies. They work relentlessly to get you fair compensation without a drawn-out trial.
Consult an experienced maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights and get the maximum recovery you deserve. Their expertise can make all the difference between receiving full and just compensation or getting an unfair low-ball settlement.
