Texas Maritime Lawyer

Understanding General Maritime Law

General maritime law may include various state and federal laws that regulate maritime commerce. It relates to injuries sustained by the various types of workers in this field. It may also refer to previous court rulings on maritime law matters that can now be recognized as common law. General maritime law may grant a seaman or other maritime worker the right to seek financial relief from an employer, vessel owner or third party for injuries sustained while working offshore. Maritime law may also affect shipyard workers, dock workers, longshoremen and harbor workers.

A complete understanding of general maritime law is one of the key factors that enable the Texas maritime attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP to seek such stellar results in the offshore accident and injury claims that we handle.

There are three key types of claims that fall under general maritime law:

• Maintenance and cure claims – A Texas maritime worker who sustains any type of injury or falls ill while working on an offshore rig, fishing boat, barge or other vessel may be entitled to maintenance and cure benefits, to be paid by the employer. This includes money for room and board and medical care until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement or is able to return to work.
• Unseaworthiness claims – A ship owner has an obligation to ensure that the vessel is seaworthy. If a crew member is injured or becomes ill due to the unseaworthiness of a vessel, this may provide him or her with grounds for a maritime injury claim against the owner.
• Negligence claims – There may be particular situations where negligence, a failure to act with proper caution or care, is the cause of an offshore accident. In these situations, the injured maritime worker may be able to seek compensation from the responsible party. Some of these claims may fall under the Jones Act, and in other cases a third party may be held accountable.

In addition to handling claims that fall under the three categories listed above, our maritime injury lawyers have the skill and resources to handle any other type of injury or wrongful death case that may involve maritime workers.

Maritime Injury Attorney in Texas

Maritime law can be complex, and the way that an injured worker approaches his or her claim may have a direct influence on its outcome. Make sure you work with an attorney who understands general maritime law and who can assert your rights under the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act or other relevant statute. Choose a lawyer at our firm and find out how we can seek the full benefits you deserve.

Contact a Texas maritime lawyer at our firm today.