The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that nearly 400,000 workers are employed in maritime industries in the U.S. These individuals are at higher risk of illness, injury, and fatality compared to other workers.
As a maritime employee, you face unique hazards and challenges on the job almost daily. You’re likely to incur severe injury whether you’re working on fishing vessels, oil rigs, cargo ships, or a military base.
When accidents happen, you’ll need a Houston maritime injury lawyer to guide you through the legal ramifications.
In this article, we discuss five key signs you need to hire a maritime injury attorney.
1. You’re Involved in a Severe Maritime Accident
Accidents at sea can be uniquely dangerous and cause life-changing or life-threatening injuries. These injuries can affect your ability to work and cause hefty medical expenses. Most offshore injuries are caused by the following:
- Fire and explosion
- Slips and falls
- Faulty safety gear
- Falling overboard
- Accidental falls from high places
- Shoulder pain or injuries from excessive physical effort
Maritime accidents can be as a result of harsh weather conditions or employer negligence. A Houston maritime injury lawyer will help you get fair compensation for the physical pain incurred.
Below are some common maritime injury signs:
- Limited range or motion
- Pain and swelling
- Mental distress or fatigue
- Redness
2. You’re Unsure of Your Rights
Maritime law, also referred to as admiralty law, is complex. You may end up settling for less if you don’t have an experienced attorney to hold your hand.
If you or your loved one has suffered an illness or severe injury while working on a floating movable structure, you have a right to compensation under two federal acts. These are the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Jones Act
The Jones Act is designed for seamen and maritime employees who require compensation under various circumstances. A seaman doesn’t include a pilot, longshoreman, or any individual working on a stationary platform.
According to the Jones Act, you can sue and get compensated for death, illness, or injury caused by the following:
- Failure of the employer to look for or rescue a seaman who jumped or fell overboard
- Negligence of a co-worker or employer
- Unavailable or inadequate health care
- An unseaworthy claim; a dangerous and unsafe condition off or on the vessel
With legal help in Houston, you can recover for lost income, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. An experienced lawyer will ensure you get the maximum compensation for you or your loved one’s injury.
Longshore Claims
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, on the other hand, protects maritime workers who don’t match the description of a seaman. For instance, these may be employees who build, or unload and load, ships and boats.
This act provides income benefits and medical care to sick or injured workers. If you’re a longshoreman and are unable to continue working due to offshore injuries, you’ll get temporary disability benefits monthly. These benefits amount to two-thirds of your average weekly payment at the time of the accident.
3. Unfair Insurance Treatment
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to mistreat victims of maritime accidents. Insurance adjusters may minimize the financial liability of your employer by offering a lower settlement than you deserve.
Additionally, the insurance company may deny your compensation claims marine without providing any valid reason. This is unjust and frustrating. If you suspect the insurance company is mistreating you or has denied your claim, it’s time to hire a Houston maritime injury lawyer.
A lawyer from Barnes Law Firm will investigate the accident and fight for the settlement that you deserve. They have the experience and knowledge to negotiate with the insurance provider and navigate the legal process on your behalf, ensuring your maritime rights are protected.
4. You Suffer Severe Emotional Distress After the Accident
If you experience depression and anxiety as a result of sustained injuries from a maritime accident, you may want to consider hiring a maritime injury attorney. Dealing with the consequences of an accident at sea can be overwhelming, causing feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or fear.
These feelings are likely to affect your daily life and make it difficult for you to continue with your life as usual. With the help of legal representation in Houston, you can alleviate some of the stressful emotions caused by your maritime injury case.
The lawyer will take care of the legal part of your claim while you focus on your well-being and recovery. Maritime injury attorneys also provide guidance and support during this difficult time. This helps you navigate the complex maritime legal system with expertise and compassion.
5. Maritime Accident Liability is Unclear
One of the significant signs you need to hire a Houston attorney is when you’re unsure who’s at fault for the maritime accident. When the naval accident liability is unclear, it can be challenging to go through the legal process without help.
A maritime injury lawyer will gather all the necessary evidence, talk to witnesses, and come up with a strong case that supports your claim. In a case where the accident was due to multiple factors, such as employer negligence and lack of training, a lawyer will help untangle the complexities and point out the parties responsible.
When dealing with maritime accidents, you should act swiftly and seek help from a Houston attorney to tackle your case with expertise and precision.
Get Fair Compensation Today With the Help of a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer
If you’re a maritime employee who has sustained injuries on the job, you’ll need legal help to assist you in understanding your options and rights. A Houston maritime injury lawyer will determine the cause of the accident and get you fair compensation. The attorney will take on your case as you focus on getting back on your feet.
At Barnes Law Firm, we handle maritime injuries on behalf of fishermen, passengers, harbor workers, sailors, seamen, and longshoremen. We work on a strict contingency fee basis and only receive payment after we’ve won the case.
Contact us today to receive fair compensation for your or your loved one’s maritime injury.