Negligence can occur anywhere, and offshore is no exception. Unlike other types of personal injury cases, an accident that leads to an injury while offshore requires special handling. Whether on the ocean or in a bay, maritime laws concerning personal injury cases work differently, and here are several reasons why.
1. Maritime Accidents Are Often More Severe
Often, maritime activities come with a higher level of risk. This is especially true of people who work offshore. The conditions on the water can go from calm to dangerous at any time, and the possible injuries you can suffer increase the longer you're away from shore.
In addition, maritime activities can increase the risks of certain types of injuries. Just by working on the water, you're more prone to:
While many of these hazards come with the territory, negligence can also play a role in creating these potential avenues for injury.
2. Maritime Accidents Follow a Different Set of Laws
Maritime and admiralty laws govern sea activities. A lot of different laws exist, and they don't all work directly in favor of the injured. Even when the law is in your favor, it's often confusing to figure out how to navigate the different federal and state laws concerning maritime personal injury cases.
The Jones Act exists to help people who work on the water seek compensation for injuries. Workers compensation isn't always an option for those who work on the sea. However, the Jones Act protects specific classes of maritime workers and under specific situations. When the Jones Act does work in someone's favor, they can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and occasionally punitive damages.
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) works much like a wrongful death lawsuit. A spouse, child, parent, or dependent can file a lawsuit under this act on behalf of the decadent. Still, this law only applies under specific conditions. For example, the DOHSA only comes into play if the accident occurred at least three miles out beyond a territorial limit.
Some other avenues of remedy include:
Other protections exist as well, including remedies at the state level rather than federal. Altogether, these disparate pieces of legislation aren't the easiest to understand. You can miss out on compensation through one method because you believed you were supposed to pursue it through a different remedy.
3. Maritime Accidents Require Legal Representation
Negligence in a maritime environment can come from any of several sources, and pressing a personal injury case requires you to figure out those potential sources. This isn't something everyone can do, nor is it something anyone should attempt on their own. For example, multiple parties can hold responsibility for your injury, including:
Any of these parties can contribute to the negligence that led to your injury. A legal representative can help you find those links to give your case a better chance at succeeding.
Even if you have a cut and dry situation, you can often miss something or lose a chance of compensation if you don't consult with someone who knows maritime and admiralty law. At Monro Law Firm P.S. Inc., we have significant experience with maritime and admiralty cases. If you're injured offshore, contact us immediately.
I went in for a quick consultation. They were no nonsense, to the point and very helpful. Also they did not try to up sell me on extra stuff or take advantage of the delicate situation I came in to consult about . Gave me great honest advice and if I can't handle my situation on my own I will definitely be back for services . Great first impression!
- Priya M.
I have used this attorney two times once for a car accident and once for a work injury and both times they were amazing. I got way more than I expected and I didn't have to worry about a thing. I would recommend this firm, also they were quick to return phone calls and emails.
- Aj S.
We have worked with Steve for the past 5 years. He has won every battle along the way for us and always been available to answer our questions. When we were getting frustrated with the process he took the time to explain what was going on and what our options where. I highly recommend this law firm and greatly appreciate all the hard work they have done for our case!
- Misty MM.
I was in an accident as a passenger earlier this year. I had a free consult with Justin Monro shortly after because I was concerned about the cost of my recovery. Justin was kind, personable and confident he could help me. It took several months of trips to the chiropractor, but once I was back in good health, Justin and his staff were promptly in communication with me regarding my case. My medical bills were taken care of and Monro Law went above and beyond in helping me obtain a settlement that was much greater than I had anticipated. I don't know what I would have done without their help in my road to recovery. They did all the work in dealing with the insurance company which relieved a lot of stress. I highly recommend their services.
- Mirinda A.
I went in for a quick consultation. They were no nonsense, to the point and very helpful. Also they did not try to up sell me on extra stuff or take advantage of the delicate situation I came in to consult about . Gave me great honest advice and if I can't handle my situation on my own I will definitely be back for services . Great first impression!
- Priya M.
I have used this attorney two times once for a car accident and once for a work injury and both times they were amazing. I got way more than I expected and I didn't have to worry about a thing. I would recommend this firm, also they were quick to return phone calls and emails.
- Aj S.
We have worked with Steve for the past 5 years. He has won every battle along the way for us and always been available to answer our questions. When we were getting frustrated with the process he took the time to explain what was going on and what our options where. I highly recommend this law firm and greatly appreciate all the hard work they have done for our case!
- Misty MM.
I was in an accident as a passenger earlier this year. I had a free consult with Justin Monro shortly after because I was concerned about the cost of my recovery. Justin was kind, personable and confident he could help me. It took several months of trips to the chiropractor, but once I was back in good health, Justin and his staff were promptly in communication with me regarding my case. My medical bills were taken care of and Monro Law went above and beyond in helping me obtain a settlement that was much greater than I had anticipated. I don't know what I would have done without their help in my road to recovery. They did all the work in dealing with the insurance company which relieved a lot of stress. I highly recommend their services.
- Mirinda A.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone: (360) 863-3728
Toll-Free: (844) 346-6815
Email: stephenm@monrolawfirm.com
Address: 1830 Bickford Avenue, Suite 204 Snohomish, WA 98290
BUSINESS HOURS
OUR LOCATION
The information on the website of Monro Law Firm P.S., Inc. is not intended to be and has never been legal advice. You should speak with an attorney if you want legal advice specific to your circumstance. Please contact us by phone, mail, or email; we look forward to hearing from you. A client-attorney relationship is not established by communicating with us in any way. Please do not email us any sensitive information until we have established an attorney-client relationship.
Bar Admissions:
Washington
U.S. Federal Court
Professional Associations and Memberships:
American Trial Lawyers Association
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
King County Bar Association
Snohomish County Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
BROWSE OUR WEBSITE
CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone: (360) 863-3728
Toll-Free: (844) 346-6815
Email: stephenm@monrolawfirm.com
Address: 1830 Bickford Avenue, Suite 204 Snohomish, WA 98290
BUSINESS HOURS
OUR LOCATION
The information on the website of Monro Law Firm P.S., Inc. is not intended to be and has never been legal advice. You should speak with an attorney if you want legal advice specific to your circumstance. Please contact us by phone, mail, or email; we look forward to hearing from you. A client-attorney relationship is not established by communicating with us in any way. Please do not email us any sensitive information until we have established an attorney-client relationship.
Bar Admissions:
Washington
U.S. Federal Court
Professional Associations and Memberships:
American Trial Lawyers Association
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
King County Bar Association
Snohomish County Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
BROWSE OUR WEBSITE
CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone: (360) 863-3728
Toll-Free: (844) 346-6815
Email: stephenm@monrolawfirm.com
Address: 1830 Bickford Avenue, Suite 204 Snohomish, WA 98290
BUSINESS HOURS
OUR LOCATION
The information on the website of Monro Law Firm P.S., Inc. is not intended to be and has never been legal advice. You should speak with an attorney if you want legal advice specific to your circumstance. Please contact us by phone, mail, or email; we look forward to hearing from you. A client-attorney relationship is not established by communicating with us in any way. Please do not email us any sensitive information until we have established an attorney-client relationship.
Bar Admissions:
Washington
U.S. Federal Court
Professional Associations and Memberships:
American Trial Lawyers Association
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
King County Bar Association
Snohomish County Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association