Blog
- Can I File Suit Against a Sea Vessel?
July 05, 2022
Read MoreIf you were hurt in an accident involving a sea vessel that was caused by the negligence of the vessel’s owner or operator, you normally might file a lawsuit against the owner/operator to recover compensation. However, various circumstances might make it infeasible to file suit against the person or entity that owns or operates the […]
- A History of Maritime Law in the United States
July 03, 2022
Read MoreMaritime law in the United States stretches throughout the entire history of the country, all the way to the founding of the first colonies. As the North American colonies were established to trade resources back to England, France, and Spain, shipping and the maritime industry were a critical part of the development of the U.S. […]
- A Guide to the Suits in Admiralty Act
July 01, 2022
Read MoreFor many years, someone who was injured in an accident that was caused by the negligent operation of a federal government vessel could not file a lawsuit against the government due to sovereign immunity. However, the Congress realized that the federal government should not be immune from suit for negligently injuring people. As a result, […]
- A Guide to the Public Vessels Act
June 30, 2022
Read MoreNegligence in the operation of a government-owned vessel may lead to an accident that causes injury and damage for other innocent parties. Historically, parties who were harmed by the negligence of the government could not pursue compensation due to the government’s sovereign immunity, which is an absolute prohibition on filing a civil lawsuit for monetary […]
- A Guide to the Defense Base Act
June 28, 2022
Read MoreIf you work for a federal contractor at a military or overseas government installation, you are entitled to certain statutory protections that ensure you can receive compensation in the event you are injured on the job. These protections are codified under federal law in the Defense Base Act. As an employee of a contractor working […]
- A Guide to the 4 Pillars of Maritime Law
June 26, 2022
Read MoreMaritime law is both national and international in nature. While almost every country with access to navigable waters will have their own maritime laws, countries have come together to establish international treaties to help provide some basic standards of maritime law. Having international maritime laws facilitates a global economy by enabling safe, efficient shipping all […]
- A Guide to Maritime Law Enforcement in the US
June 24, 2022
Read MoreWhile maritime law often deals with civil matters between private parties, it also includes laws and regulations that parties who operate on navigable waters are expected to follow or otherwise be subject to criminal penalties, such as fines, asset forfeiture, or even prison time. You may have many questions about how maritime law enforcement in […]
- OSHA Guidelines
October 13, 2017
Read MoreThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has deemed shipyard work to be an extremely dangerous occupation, recording more than twice the number of reported injuries in shipyard workers as among the general construction business. OSHA recommends a set of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines to help reduce the risk of serious injury or death […]
- Filing A Jones Act Seaman Lawsuit Against An Employer
October 13, 2017
Read MoreSeamen fall under the Jones Act which allows them to sue their employers for negligence and seek damages for wage loss, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation does not pay for pain and suffering. Harbor workers assigned to vessels owned by their employers such as tug boats, workboats, barges, and floating cranes, can […]
- Maintenance And Cure
October 13, 2017
Read MoreWhile a seaman is out of work due to a work-related injury, he/she is entitled to receive maintenance payments. Maintenance payments are a living allowance paid to the seaman to replace lost wages until he reaches his point of full recovery or maximum medical improvement. Under the Jones Act, the employer must also pay for […]
