Maritime Law

Navigation, shipping, and other offshore commerce are governed by maritime law (also called admiralty law) and the Jones Act. One of the primary purposes of maritime law is to protect injured workers, whether they’re aboard a vessel or working on or offshore. For instance, maritime law covers injuries sustained by:

• oil rig workers
• jack-up rig workers
• platform workers
• crew boat workers
• crabbers
• fishermen
• longshoremen
• merchant mariners
• ferry workers
• cruise ship employees
• factory trawler processors
• deckhands
• officers

Financial Compensation under Maritime Law
A maritime worker or Jones Act seaman who has suffered an injury while working offshore may immediately think of filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, this option, if it's even available, may not be the most advantageous solution for a maritime worker.  It is critical that you contact an experienced maritime lawyer as soon as possible after an offshore accident so that you can be aware of your remedies and you don't sign them away in documents presented to you by your employer or their insurance company.

Under maritime law and the Jones Act, injured maritime workers may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses suffered as a result of the injury—losses which may not be recoverable under a workers’ compensation claim. For example, an injured maritime worker may obtain compensation for:

• lost wages
• contract benefits
• disability
• pain and suffering
• disfigurement
• medical expenses
• mental anguish
• loss of enjoyment of life
• more

Because maritime law and the Jones Act are so complex, it is important that you hire an attorney with experience. The Jones Act lawyers at Fitts Zehl LLP have recovered substantial damages for offshore workers, and have the resources needed to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.  Our maritime law firm handles Jones Act and offshore accident cases all across the Gulf Coast, including Texas, Gulfport, Biloxi, New Orleans, Houma, Morgan City, and Mobile.

Learn More about Maritime Law and Your Rights
Maritime law and the Jones Act not only cover offshore workers, but also those suffered by cruise ship passengers and as a result of recreational boating accidents.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed while working offshore, the maritime lawyers at Fitts Zehl LLP can help. Contact our offices today to schedule a free and private consultation with one of our attorneys.  Our toll free number is 800-865-0771. 

Fitts Zehl was recently named 1 of 5 “Power Lawyers and Law Firms of 2009.