MARITIME LAW STATUTES

Maritime law is one of the most complicated areas of law.  There are multiple laws or statutes that apply to incidents, accidents, and commerce that happen on sea vessels.  These laws deal with liability, commercial operations and the rights of the employees.  It is because of these statutes that maritime attorneys are able to file claims when incidents occur.

Maritime laws can apply to a wide variety of matters.  These may include the “maintenance and cure” of maritime employees, onboard safety, and state jurisdiction.  Additionally, they will map out limitations of laws and describe statutes of limitations.  Here are some examples of the maritime statutes most commonly used.

THE JONES ACT

The Jones Act is a United States federal statute. A portion of this law protects maritime employees who are employed on vessels in navigable waters. Under this law, maritime employees may file claims to recover losses in the event of an on-the-job injury.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY ACT

This law allows vessel owners to limit the number of damage claims that they will need to pay if they can show that they had no prior knowledge of issues regarding their vessel. Learn more about the maritime limitation of liability.

SHIPOWNER CONTRACTURAL STATUE OF LIMITATIONS

This statute designates that amount of time that vessel owner has in which they can file claims regarding injuries or deaths at sea.

ADMIRALITY STATUE OF LIMITATIONS

This statute designates that amount of time that maritime accident victims have in which they can file claims regarding injuries at sea.

CRUISE VESSEL SECURITY AND SAFETY ACT OF 2010

This act was written as a response to increasing crime to help protect cruise passengers from harm and on the high seas.  It outlines required safety and security procedures.  Additionally, it outlines how the cruise is to document and inform passengers about their rights and information regarding incidents.

FEDERAL JUDICIARY ACT

The Federal Judiciary Act establishes the jurisdiction of Judicial Courts in the United States. An experienced and knowledgeable maritime attorney will review the details of your unique case and be able to help you determine the best court in which to submit your claim.

STATE SPECIAL MARITIME CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

The State Special Maritime Criminal jurisdiction will outline the specific details that govern maritime activities in that particular state. The State of Florida has their own guidelines when handling incidents that occur in maritime environments.

DEATH ON THE HIGH SEAS

This statute allows family members of those who perished at sea to bring a claim against and seek damages from the responsible parties.  Speak to a wrongful death maritime attorney.

PROVISIONS LIMITING LIABILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH

The provision indicates a situation in which the Limitations of Liability Act may not offer protection in the case of injury at sea that results in harm or death.

 CONTACT A MARITIME ATTORNEY

A knowledgeable and experienced maritime attorney at Madalon Law can answer any questions that you may have about maritime law and will be able to determine which statutes and provisions best apply to the circumstances surrounding your unique case.

The maritime accident attorneys of Madalon Law handle cases in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.