You need a skilled maritime lawyer if you’ve been hurt on an offshore oil rig, cargo vessel, or pleasure boat in U.S. navigable waters.
But why? What does a maritime injury lawyer do?
Admiralty or maritime attorneys deal with cases involving injuries on the “high seas” or other waters used for interstate or international transportation and commerce. They fight to get compensation for accident victims.
A Houston maritime injury lawyer from Havens & Associates can also handle boating accidents and other maritime injuries that may occur on a commercial vessel, oil rig, or at places like docks or dry docks.
What is maritime law?
Maritime law is one of the oldest branches of law in the country. The Colonies were governed by admiralty laws even before the Constitution.
Essentially, Admiralty Law, or maritime laws, relate to activities on the high seas and “navigable waters.” These are waters that are used for interstate or international commerce and transportation.
In many cases, maritime law involves state and federal law and sometimes international law. These laws dictate torts (civil injury claims), contracts and salvage, injuries, and other offenses on or near navigable waters.
The role of a maritime injury lawyer
Maritime injury lawyers focus on cases that fall under U.S. Admiralty Law. This large umbrella includes laws, statutes, regulations, and case law pertaining to the maritime industry and recreational water activity.
What does a typical week for a Houston maritime attorney include? You’ll find them trying cases in state or federal court or negotiating with the defense to get an out-of-court settlement for their client. Maritime attorneys also investigate complaints about illness or injury on the water or an unseaworthy marine craft.
They may also investigate cases of companies polluting U.S. waters with hazardous waste and the resulting injuries.
What should a good Houston maritime injury lawyer know?
Maritime law is complex. It involves an understanding of state and federal laws and the Law of the Sea. A maritime attorney must stay abreast of worldwide changes to the law.
In addition, maritime law in the U.S. includes case law, which is based on the courts’ decisions (and existing precedents) rather than formal statutes, laws, or the Constitution. So, an offshore injury attorney in Houston must also keep updated with recent decisions that could affect their clients’ cases. They must monitor pending cases like theirs, adjusting their approach and strategy based on judicial decisions.
How can a maritime lawyer help me?
A maritime accident attorney can evaluate your situation and determine the appropriate laws to redress the harm you suffered.
This can include filing a claim under the Jones Act, which applies to workers on U.S. commercial vessels, or the Passenger Vessel Act of 1886, which covers harm to those injured on a recreational vessel.
Do you need help after a maritime injury? Our lawyers want to hear your story
The Havens & Associates legal team is dedicated to making your voice heard. We have extensive experience with the Texas and federal laws governing offshore accidents, including those on vessels and oil rigs. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (713) 955-2215 for a free consultation.
