What You Should Know About Maritime Accidents

Living near the coast, we know that a lot of Mobile area citizens work on maritime vessels or offshore rigs. But what qualifies an accident to be labeled a “maritime accident”? A maritime accident is any accident involving a ship or other marine craft. Some examples are vessel collisions, faulty design, capsizing, explosions, falling overboard, oil rig accidents, and even shipyard accidents. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has declared that commercial fishing alone is the most dangerous job in the country.

With the known dangers of this industry and profession, regulations have been put into place to protect maritime workers. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, is a federal statute that regulates maritime commerce in U.S. Waters.  The actual wording of the law says that all “seaman” are covered.  But, over the years, that definition has been narrowed to someone who works on a vessel that is navigable waters. It includes a section on Seaman’s rights which lays out the steps and restrictions for injured maritime employees to recover compensation for their injuries from their employers.

Should you have further questions about maritime accidents or think you might have a case, please call our office at (251) 300-2000.  You may drop by our office anytime at 51 North Florida Street to meet personally with an injury attorney.  Call or come by anytime, you never need an appointment.