If you experience an injury at sea and your employer refuses to pay your benefits, you could quickly become frustrated. Your seamen benefits should begin immediately after your injury on the job. However, employers do not always adhere to these lawful rights. Instead,...
Admiralty & Maritime Law
FAQs about the Jones Act
Seamen have federal protection under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Otherwise known as the Jones Act, the legislation aims to protect the naval interests of the United States, including every worker onboard a maritime vessel. Injured seamen are not entitled to...
Types of maritime accidents
If you work as a captain, engineer, or in another role on a ship or fishing vessel, you know to be aware of possible injuries that can occur at sea. It is important to be aware of the different types of injuries that can happen when on a ship, in order to help prevent...
Maritime injuries: toxic exposure to chemicals and your rights
Maritime injuries are not always easy to identify, especially if they do not involve apparent physical wounds. However, exposure to toxic chemicals while working aboard a vessel qualifies as a maritime injury under certain circumstances, and you are likely eligible to...
Am I eligible for compensation for my maritime work injury?
After an injury on the job, most employees count on workers’ compensation to help cover the costs of their medical bills and lost income. However, as a maritime employee, you are probably not eligible for these same benefits. Fortunately, you may be able to seek...
Common types of maritime injuries
Louisiana workers employed in the maritime industry have an elevated risk of accidents on the job. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that commercial fishing, one aspect of this sector, is the most statistically dangerous occupation in the U.S....
Do you qualify for work injury relief under the Jones Act?
If you suffer a catastrophic injury while working on a ship, loading dock or marine setting, the federal Jones Act may cover your medical bills and other costs. This law mandates compensation for workplace injuries regardless of fault as well as coverage for negligent...
Lack of training and the incidence of maritime accidents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has declared that the maritime industry is one of the most dangerous in the United States. People working in this sector are at risk for many different types of accidents, and those mishaps are often...
4 reasons gangway accidents typically happen
Whether you are working on a commercial vessel or simply boarding one, there is a good chance you must navigate at least one gangway. These passage areas, which are regularly several feet above deck, connect parts of the ship. If you fall from a gangway, you are...
How much are you entitled to after a negligent maritime accident?
Working out at sea can be a tough and dangerous job, especially if your employer does not keep safety equipment up to spec. Even with the best safety equipment, accidents happen. It is important to understand your rights in these situations so you can fully recover...