PARKER WAICHMAN ALONSO LLP

Laws to Protect Seamen

The ocean is unpredictable and unforgiving, making maritime jobs among the most dangerous in the world. Seaman, merchant sailors, river crews and offshore workers face daily risks on the job. For that reason, workers on the high seas or U.S. rivers and navigable waterways have special legal rights and protections that aren’t available to other workers.

The maritime law attorneys at Parker Waichman Alonso LLP understand the dangers posed by a job aboard ship. We also understand that employers put workers in situations that increase the risk of injury. We know many accidents could have been prevented if the ship owner or employer had followed proper safety precautions.

If you are a seaman, merchant sailor, dock worker or offshore worker who has been injured in a  maritime-related accident, you need to talk to an attorney who concentrates in maritime and admiralty law. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has helped maritime injury victims for more than 20 years -- and we can help you obtain the money you need for a full recovery. Please fill out our online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) for help with your case. We handle maritime law claims from port cities along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, including New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington DE, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, FL, Fort Lauderdale FL and Miami.

It is important that you understand maritime law includes several types of legal tools to help seaman and other workers in maritime-related occupations.

The Jones Act offers legal protection to injured sailors, merchant mariners and the crew of a ship or vessel, allowing U.S. seamen to bring legal actions against ship owners, ship captains or other crew members. Injured workers can collect damages based on claims of negligence or unseaworthiness.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides money and medical care to workers disabled by on-the-job injuries that occur on U.S. navigable waters or adjoining areas such as shipyards, loading docks or harbors. The law covers workers in traditional maritime occupations such as longshore workers, ship-repairers, shipbuilders, shipbreakers, and harbor construction workers.

The Death on the High Seas Act allows the spouse and dependent family members of a deceased seaman to collect damages if the death of their loved one occurred through the negligence or unseaworthiness of a vessel while more than three nautical miles from shore.

Under the principle of maintenance and cure, seamen who are injured or become ill at sea are entitled to money for living expenses, lost wages and medical care until they’re fit for duty again. Seamen are entitled to this benefit no matter who was at fault for the accident.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has helped maritime-injury victims for more than 20 years. Our goal is to help you and your family obtain the money you need for a full recovery. Please fill out our online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) for help with your case. We handle maritime law claims from port cities along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, including  New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington DE, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville FL, Fort Lauderdale FL and Miami.