Our Attorneys Represent Injured Seaman

Working aboard or around ships and boats can be dangerous and life-threatening. By the very nature of their work, seamen, longshoremen, and offshore oil & gas workers are exposed to many conditions and substances which cause them serious illnesses, injury, and even death. Sometimes an illness will manifest itself years after exposure to toxic substances. Unfortunately, some offshore companies and their insurers treat injured workers unfairly - often putting pressure on workers not to seek legal assistance to obtain all remedies to which they are legally entitled. Maritime torts are unique because of the application of uniform federal maritime law.

A vessel owner has an obligation to exercise due diligence to make his vessel seaworthy and to properly man, equip, and supply the vessel. This obligation is viewed by the courts as an absolute duty owed to the seamen in service to the vessel. If a seaman is injured or becomes ill as a result of the vessel’s unseaworthiness, the owner is liable to the seaman for his damages or loss.

If injury or death occurs as a result of an employer's negligence on a vessel, the worker may have a claim against either the employer under the federal Jones Act or against another party causing the injury under General Maritime Law. Examples of neglect can include faulty equipment, asbestos or toxic chemical exposure, slippery walking surfaces, untrained seamen, and sinking or mechanically malfunctioning vessels. The employee or family of the deceased may be entitled to lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, future income, future medical expenses, and a spouse's loss of services and society.

If you are injured while on the water, whether working or for pleasure, you may be entitled to special treatment under the law. Maritime law treats injured victims differently than other areas of the law. The size of your vessel or the number of people aboard do not matter. You need a maritime attorney to help you navigate your way to receive fair treatment under the law.

The Spitz Law Firm trial attorneys can help you with your case. Maritime injuries are unique and few law firms have the expertise and experience in maritime matters that the Spitz Law Firm has. Call today for a free evaluation of your case.

You may be eligible for relief under one of the following maritime laws:

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.

Don’t let your maritime injury ruin your life. Put the problem in the hands of maritime attorneys who understand life on the water. At the Spitz Law Firm, our maritime attorneys will zealously advocate for you to achieve the best results possible. Call today for your free consultation.

Call The Right Maritime Attorney 24/7 At: 1-888-70-RIGHT or (216) 291-4744