Maritime Personal Injury Claims
Given the hazardous and unpredictable working conditions, both at sea and shoreside, the high risk of injury is not surprising. However, this expectation doesn’t excuse an employer’s negligence as a cause of injury.
If you have been injured on a vessel, in port, during processing, on the docks, or in any other maritime activity due to the negligence of your employer, you deserve compensation and justice through a maritime injury claim.
Types of Maritime Injury Claims in Washington, Alaska, California, and Oregon
If you are a dockworker, cook, engineer, fisherman, deckhand, captain, crew member, or any other person associated with a maritime task, you are likely classified as a seaman under maritime law and qualify to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Though your employer is legally obligated to provide maintenance and cure to address your medical expenses, this may not be sufficient to cover your short- and long-term treatment costs. Additionally, the presence of negligence—which your employer will usually deny—means that you have a right to pursue further compensation under the Jones Act or another maritime law.
The types of injury claims that can be filed under maritime law, such as the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act, are as numerous as the situations that cause the injuries. Some of the more common injuries that occur as a result of negligence aboard a vessel or shoreside include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries
- Broken bones
- Injuries from assault
- Burns from excessive heat, fire, or explosions
- Chemical burns
- Repetitive use injuries
All of these injuries are serious, and not only do they take time and money to heal, but they can lead to permanent life changes and may even necessitate a career switch. If the injury is severe enough, the job the worker performed prior probably can no longer be done safely, even after rehabilitation.
If you have suffered a severe injury due to the negligence of an employer or third party, an experienced maritime injury attorney will fight for maximum compensation. Your right to money damages can be protected by filing an action that includes a Jones Act claim for negligence and unseaworthiness, as well as a maintenance and cure claim.
Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve After an Accident at Sea or Portside
No matter how much of a settlement your employer presents, you should always review your options with an experienced maritime injury lawyer to ensure you are receiving fair compensation. Remember, your employer and their insurance company will work hard to protect their bottom line – not you.
With offices in Bellingham and Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA; and Portland, OR, the maritime injury attorneys of Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski, LLP are passionate about maritime life and are experienced seamen. Our maritime and admiralty lawyers fight as hard and as long as it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Your first consultation with Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski, LLP is free; you are not charged a single fee unless a monetary recovery is made in your favor. Call 1 (800) 262-8529 today to schedule your consultation and see what we can do for your maritime injury claim.
