Jackson Maritime Injury Lawyers
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Maritime Injury Attorneys in Jackson, AL
Not only do you need to know what caused your injuries, but you also have to know who is liable. That’s one area where a Jackson, AL maritime injury attorney is very helpful. Our team can look at the facts of your case to figure out if what happened was simply an accident with no liable party or an accident caused by someone’s negligence.
Who Is Protected Under Maritime Law in Jackson, Alabama?
A wide range of workers are protected by maritime law. This includes seamen, longshore workers, harbor workers, commercial fishermen, underwater drilling professionals, ship repair personnel, shipbuilders, and others who work on or adjacent to a vessel. The specific role you fill does determine what your legal rights are, as specific laws are only relevant to those who work in certain roles or locales.
Learn more about some of the most important aspects of maritime injury law below.
Maintenance and Cure
One of the most important aspects of maritime injury law is maintenance and cure. Maintenance refers to a maritime worker’s ability to meet their basic living expenses while they are unable to work. It pays for expenses like rent or mortgage, food, and utilities. However, it does not pay for anything that is considered unnecessary, such as your internet or cable bill. The other half of maintenance and cure is “cure”, meaning the care a seaman needs to reach maximum medical recovery.
One of the primary benefits of maintenance and cure is that you do not have to prove that someone caused the accident or was negligent. If you were injured due to your work on or adjacent to a vessel, you likely qualify.
Jones Act
Under the Jones Act, those who are injured because of someone else’s negligence can receive additional benefits. In addition to maintenance and cure, an injured maritime worker can receive compensation for pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, lost wages and earning capacity, and related expenses. To receive benefits under the Jones Act, a worker must be able to prove that the vessel owner or someone working aboard the vessel was negligent.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
The LHWCA is applicable to those who work on navigable waters or adjacent to those waters. Because of this, it covers those who load and unload cargo, repair ships, and work on deck. It is similar to workers’ compensation in that it allows qualifying workers to receive 2/3 of their wages while injured.
Death on the High Seas Act
Some maritime accidents end tragically in a seaman’s death. The Death on the High Seas Act, or DOHSA, provides compensation for fatal accidents that occur at sea. When this happens, the decedent’s family is often left struggling and without the funds that are necessary to meet their needs.
DOHSA allows surviving family members to receive benefits if their loved one dies in international waters. For a family member to qualify, their loved one must have died at least three nautical miles from U.S. waters. Those who can receive compensation include the decedent’s spouse, children, parents, or other dependent relatives.
How Fuquay Law Firm Can Help You
If you or someone you love has suffered a maritime injury, you need to talk to an attorney with extensive experience in maritime injury law. Some victims turn to workers’ compensation attorneys. While workers’ compensation is similar to maritime law in some ways, it is a state-based program.
Those who work in the maritime industry are not covered by workers’ compensation. Furthermore, the specific details of maritime injury law can make or break your case—you deserve to work with an attorney who focuses specifically on this area of law.
Your attorney at Fuquay Law Firm can help you figure out your options when you are recovering from a maritime injury. Our team will get the details of your accident and find out which laws apply to your situation. If your accident occurred because of someone’s negligence or an unseaworthy vessel, we know that we’ll need to prove this before you can seek compensation. Our goal is to build a strong case that establishes your right to secure compensation and the other party’s role in your accident and injuries.
Your work as a maritime employee is crucial to the nation’s economy, and you deserve to be treated fairly when you are hurt at work. We strive to help maritime workers across Alabama get the compensation they are owed after an accident.
Contact Our Team to Start Your Claim
When you suffer a maritime injury in Jackson, Alabama, time is of the essence. It’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible to figure out your rights and start pursuing your claim. The team at Fuquay Law Firm is ready to bring all of their experience and knowledge to the table to help you with your claim. Set up a consultation right away by getting in touch with our team online or calling us at 251-473-4443.
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Client
After an accident at sea, in which we almost died, Richhard was able to get us physical and mental treatment, so badly needed. He also represented us and that led to a positive conclusion. Google Harry Harry Burgess World Fishing Magazine for the story of rescue and survival. I highly recommend Richard Fuquay. Honest, very ethical and knowledgeable.
Peer
Mr. Fuquay is unparalleled in the practice of labor and employment law and admiralty and maritime law. His ethical standards are above reproach. If any lawyer deserves an AV rating, it is Mr Fuquay.
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