HOW TO SELECT A MARITIME LAWYER
Maritime lawyers represent maritime passengers and workers or their families in devastating injury or wrongful death claims that have resulted from unseaworthy conditions or negligence while at sea. Because maritime laws are unique and can be complex, it is wise to hire a knowledgeable maritime lawyer to protect your rights.
If you are injured while a passenger or worker on a marine vessel, you will want to select a maritime attorney who specializes in cases that fall under admiralty and maritime law. Maritime laws differ from state worker compensation or personal injury laws, so it is vital to have experienced representation to act as your advocate when seeking compensation from those who are responsible for your injury or a family member’s disability or death. It is imperative that you consult a maritime lawyer before accepting any offer by the employer or ship owner’s insurance attorneys, to ensure that you are treated fairly and get the compensation you deserve.
Selecting the right maritime lawyer requires that you consider a variety of factors. You must consider such things as:
- what type of legal claim you have or legal work you need
- whether your case is related to your business
- the source of your injury (for example, boating accident, negligent vessel maintenance, defective products, work-related injury)
- whether you were injured as a maritime worker or passenger
WHAT TYPE OF MARITIME CLAIM IS IT?
When selecting an attorney, you need to choose a maritime lawyer with experience in the applicable area of law, such as personal injury or products liability. You have to consider first the type of claim you have or situation that has resulted in your injury. What is the underlying legal issue? The legal expertise required for personal injury, breach of contract, or claims against a negligent employer can vary widely. It is important that you find a maritime lawyer with experience in the area of law specific to your needs.
IS YOUR CASE RELATED TO YOUR BUSINESS?
Maritime law controls commercial procedures related to shipping, navigation, and any business practices related to the operation of a ship or marine vessel. This could include such activities as hiring a charter boat or speedboat for pleasure or entering into shipping contracts with a shipping firm. If your case involves drafting or reviewing contracts, you should find an attorney who specializes in maritime commercial or contract law. If someone failed to uphold obligations under a contract regarding shipping or commercial use of a vessel, you should look for a maritime attorney with experience in contract law.
WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR INJURY?
While maritime personal injury cases may be similar to those that originate on land, they are governed by separate bodies of laws and rules. If your injury occurred while you were a passenger or a worker on a boat, you will want a maritime attorney with experience in maritime law related to personal injury or possibly even products liability. Injury claims may occur from such incidents as boating accidents or collisions, negligent maintenance of a vessel, lack of appropriate safety procedures on a vessel, or defective products (such as a malfunctioning jet ski).
WERE YOU ON THE JOB WHEN INJURED?
If you were injured during the course of your employment related to a boat or other maritime employment, you will want to find a maritime lawyer with experience in worker’s compensation cases. Maritime law provides very specific statutes governing injuries that occur during the course of a maritime worker’s employment. If you were a maritime employee who was injured while working because of your employer’s negligence, you may have a claim under the Jones Act, a federal maritime law that governs injuries that occur in the course of employment on a vessel in navigation.
After you have considered the above factors, you may want to ask for a referral from someone in the boating community or involved in maritime-related industries. Review the attorneys’ credentials and check with the state bar association before making an appointment to discuss your potential case. Be sure to inquire about free consultations – Madalon Law’s maritime lawyers are willing to meet with you for free regarding potential maritime-related personal injury or wrongful death cases.
FREE CONSULTATION FOR MARITIME ACCIDENTS
The maritime attorneys at Madalon Law are here to help. Contact us for your free consultation. Madalon Law handles maritime cases in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.