The Port of Richmond is a principal shipping terminal in the San Francisco Bay area. Maritime workers who have been injured by another’s careless or reckless decisions should promptly get in contact with a maritime injury attorney.
BOATLAW, LLP has extensive experience in representing those injured in maritime accidents. Our attorneys are passionate about advocating for victims of negligence. We want to help you recover and resolve your legal issues. Let us help you get what you deserve. We practice throughout California including San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles, Richmond, and Hueneme.
Call us now at 1-800-BOATLAW to schedule a free consultation today.
Richmond Maritime Injury Attorneys in California
The city of Richmond is located in the eastern part of the San Francisco Bay. Richmond is an ideal place for the maritime industry because it is on the San Francisco Bay. The Port of Richmond boasts the third largest volume of tonnage in California, with 19 million short tons annually. Additionally, the port focuses on vehicle and liquid bulk cargo.
The Port of Richmond is constantly on the move handling break-bulk, dry bulk, metal, bulk liquid, and automobiles. The thriving maritime industry in Richmond does give leeway to negligence-related accidents. Any seamen or dockhand that is injured due to a maritime accident should seek trusted legal representation.
Overview for Richmond Maritime Injury
- Examples of Negligent Acts
- Federal Maritime Laws
- Damages for Maritime Injury Claims
- Maritime Injury Resources
- Additional Resources
Common Examples of Negligent Acts in the Maritime Industry
It can be very dangerous to work in the maritime industry. Many maritime jobs are very physical, and workers can be put into perilous situations. For employers, it is extremely important that work conditions are up to code and safe. Vessel owners, captains, and maritime employers who do not uphold this duty of care may be legally responsible for injuries that occur.
The following are some negligent acts that can lead to a maritime accident.
- Lack of proper safety equipment;
- Unsafe work surfaces such as icy decks;
- Dangerous exposure to toxic hazards;
- Not maintaining crane operations;
- Inadequate safety rules and protocols;
- The absence of safety rules and protocols;
- Lack of supervision on the job; and
- Ineffective and insufficient training or hiring.
Federal Maritime Laws for Seamen and Dockhands in Richmond
Maritime laws that govern vessels and dockhands are under federal jurisdiction. The Jones Act, or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a set of rules and regulations for maritime workers. Employees who work on navigable waters are called seamen and are protected under the Jones Act. If an employer, captain, vessel owner, or maritime entity is careless or reckless and that negligence causes an injury, they may be held liable.
Dockhands, shipbuilders, cargo operators, shipbreakers, longshoremen, and other land-based maritime workers are covered under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA). This document is similar to the premise of worker’s compensation, in that benefits must be applied for. LHWCA does still allow employees to file claims of negligence, if they have been injured due to another’s careless decisions.
Compensation in a Maritime Injury Claim
A personal injury claim is essentially a demand letter for compensation for damages that occurred due to injury. These “damages” are the actual losses that the plaintiff suffered because he or she was injured. Damages can range from a multitude of injuries. Some damages are tangible like the medical costs associated with an injury. Other damages are more abstract, such as losing joy in life because of an injury.
The following are damages a person may be able to obtain compensation for in maritime injury claim:
- Economic losses for past and future;
- Medical costs for past, present, and future;
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs;
- Loss of wages;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Loss of enjoyment in life.
Areas we Practice in Richmond, California
The following are the areas we accept clients in by zip code in Richmond, California.
- 94707
- 94801
- 94803
- 94805
- 94807
- 94850
- 94808
- 94806
- 94804
- 94802
- 94708
- 94530
Richmond Maritime Injury Resources in California
Port of Richmond – Visit the official website for the Port of Richmond in California. Find more information about port facilities, the overview of the seaport, resources to Richmond’s maritime industry, and the current Honda Port of Entry project.
The Jones Act – Visit the official website for United States Code to find more information surrounding the Jones Act. Learn the duties of care for both employees and employers and other maritime liability laws.
Longshore Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act – Visit the Longshore Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA), which was provided by the Tulane Maritime Law Center and Law School. Learn details about income and medical benefits for injured dockhands, and elements to filing a claim for maritime accidents.
California Maritime Laws – Visit the official website for California’s Harbor and Navigation Code to find more information about maritime regulations and laws. Read about offenses on navigable waters, vessel requirements and more for maritime workers in California.
Contra Cosa Superior Court – Visit the official website for the Superior Court of California for the Contra Cosa County area. Gain access to online services, information centers for certain courts, the different departments in the court, and important forms for court documents.
Additional Resources
City of Richmond – Visit the official website for the city of Richmond, California. Here you gain access to city hall agenda documents, current projects for the city, upcoming news for city businesses, and contact information for city hall.
California Association of Port Authorities – Visit the official website for the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA) which is dedicated to advocating for the seaports in California to state and federal government representatives.
Maritime Personal Injury Attorneys in Richmond, California
Injured maritime employees who have suffered due to another’s negligence, should seek an experienced personal injury attorney. A skilled maritime injury attorney can collect evidence, speak to insurance adjusters, and do what it takes to obtain the best possible settlement for your injury.
The knowledgeable attorneys at Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski understand the intricacies of federal and international maritime laws. It is our passion to represent victims of negligence. We want to be your partner in this legal process. Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski represents clients in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Richmond in California, Seattle and Bellingham in Washington, and Portland in Oregon.
Call us now at 1-800-BOATLAW for a free consultation surrounding your case.
