Maritime Injury Lawyer

Maritime law, as well as Admiralty law, basically deals with the application of law to events that occur on "navigable waters", which include oceans and large lakes or rivers that can be used for commercial shipping.
What are Navigable Waters?

"Navigable waters" are divided into "territorial waters" and the "high seas". "Territorial waters" are close to land while the "high seas" include waters that are further away from land.

There is no specific rule addressing the defining line between territorial waters and the high seas. If you have suffered an injury on navigable waters, it's best to contact an experienced Maritime Injury Lawyer.

Maritime law covers injury and death in situations such as:

* Cruise ship accidents
* Sinking of ships
* Boating injury
* Crimes such as rape or assault aboard a ship
* Employee harassment cases on board cruise lines
* Boating accident compensation

Who is Covered Under Maritime Law and the Jones Act?

Seamen whe ore injured on seagoing vessels on navigable waters and offshore oil rigs that can be towed are covered under maritime law. The definition of "seaman" is fairly broad, and was written to include anyone hires to serve on board a vessel. The term "seaman" applies to:

* people employed on a vessel to assist in the voyage
* employees on a vessel engaged in commerce or trade in navigable waters
* Employees working on a vessel owned and operated by American companies

Maritime Law and Other Occupations

Other occupations are not necessarily covered under the Jones Act, however they are often covered under other parts of Maritime law. These occupations include:

* officer
* harbor pilot
* oil worker
* technicians
* helicopter pilots
* tugboat workers
* casino boat workers
* barge workers
* supply boat workers
* semi-submersible drilling rig
* jack-up drilling rig
* employees working on or near the water
* Harbor-workers
* Ship repairmen
* Shipbuilders
* Ship-breakers

If you have suffered an accident or injury while in navigable waters, as a crew member or a passenger, contact our maritime lawyers as soon as possible. The field of maritime law can be very confusing, and our maritime lawyers will fight to protect your rights.