MARITIME LAW FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Admiralty and Maritime Law
Admiralty and maritime law is a complex set of rules, specific legal definitions, and sometimes confusing language. To assist you in making an informed choice about retaining a maritime lawyer for your case, our team has answered some of the most common questions we receive below.
If we have not answered your questions here, or for further information about recovering the compensation you are entitled to for your injury or wrongful death claim, you can reach a maritime injury lawyer at Madalon Law today for a free consultation. We represent clients in maritime cases in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.
What are Admiralty law and maritime law?
Maritime law is a federal body of laws that govern accidents, injuries, and deaths that happen to maritime workers and others on or near navigable waters. This complex body of rules regulates many issues associated with marine commerce and sea navigation, such as unseaworthiness and negligence.
Can any attorney handle my maritime injury case?
It would be unwise to hire an attorney who is not familiar with maritime law if your case involves an injury or death related to the maritime industry. If you hire an attorney whose focus is primarily divorce or automobile accidents, for example, it would be likely that attorney would not be aware of all of the complexities of your case, or what specific rules and limitations apply that would not necessarily apply to an injury case that originated on land.
What steps should I take after suffering a maritime injury?
Here are a few things to keep in mind after an accident while working at sea:
- Report the accident immediately to a supervisor, and complete an incident/accident report. Add as much detail as possible and verify the report’s accuracy before you sign it. Do not make any admissions of fault or state it was a no-fault accident.
- Seek immediate medical care, requesting detailed documentation of all findings and medical needs from your doctor. Do not wait to see a doctor, or you may compromise your case.
- Diagram and photograph the scene of the accident if at all possible. Photograph all angles and all evidence of negligence or unseaworthiness that may have contributed to the accident. If your injuries prevent you from taking photos, ask someone you trust on the vessel to do so for you.
- If offered any documents to sign, let a trusted and skilled maritime lawyer go over them with you before signing, to ensure that you understand and agree with them.
- Keep a paper trail. Record everything that happens and everything that you are told in relation to your accident. Keep your own copies of every form you sign, and if possible have witnesses initial anything that could be questioned.
- Discuss your case in detail with an experienced maritime lawyer.
TALK TO A MARITIME ATTORNEY
The maritime accident attorneys of Madalon Law are here to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us for a free consultation.
