Offshore Accidents

The seas are a dangerous place to be, even on the safest and most secure ships. Unfortunately, injury rates continue to climb and are often due to the negligence of a third party or to the un-seaworthiness of a vessel.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety program set the safety standard requirements for operators, crew and product manufacturers of a vessel. In addition, these agencies regulate sea travel and investigate maritime offshore accidents. Some of the most serious maritime offshore accidents are a result of negligence, collisions, product defects, severe environmental conditions and operator error.

For workers injured offshore, the law provides many protections. An injured offshore maritime worker is eligible to recover losses, which may include pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, medical bills and more.

• The Jones Act – Applies only to seamen and provides remedies for injuries caused by negligence and/or un-seaworthiness of a vessel. Compensation includes economic and non-economic losses.
• General Maritime Law (GML) provides injured seamen remedies, which may include maintenance, daily allowance, sufficient medical care and more.
• Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides compensation benefits to maritime workers who are not seamen including disability payments and rehabilitation services.

But for passengers injured on cruise ships, the law is not so generous. Negligence is more difficult to establish on the open seas because of the inherent dangers in seafaring. Maritime law is complicated, having evolved separately from the negligence laws many people understand. It is imperative you speak with an experienced maritime lawyer who can help you steer the difficult course.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious maritime injury or death, you may be eligible to file a maritime lawsuit. Please contact us today to speak with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your case free of charge to determine the best way to protect your legal interests.

Few have the depth of understanding of maritime law that Frank Lamothe of Lamothe Lea Aertker has developed. He has lectured extensively on offshore litigation at national and local conferences. He was also featured on an NBC News Monitor presentation entitled “Danger on the Rigs” on July 16, 1983.