Montgomery Maritime Injury Lawyers

Seamen working on Alabama’s rivers and coastal waters face significant risks every day. When injuries occur, the complexities of maritime law can make obtaining fair compensation challenging. At Fuquay Law Firm, we represent injured seamen, longshoremen, and other maritime workers in Montgomery, Selma, and throughout Alabama.

Our experienced maritime injury attorneys understand the unique aspects of laws such as the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and general maritime law. We have a proven track record of securing just compensation for seamen who have suffered injuries due to negligence, unseaworthy vessels, or hazardous working conditions.

Types of Maritime Injuries Common in Alabama

The varied nature of maritime work in Alabama leads to a range of potential injuries:

Riverboat and Barge Accidents: Collisions, groundings, and onboard accidents can result in serious injuries to crew and passengers. The confined spaces and heavy machinery on these vessels present unique hazards. For instance, a deckhand on a Montgomery riverboat might suffer crushing injuries while handling mooring lines, or passengers could be injured during a sudden emergency maneuver.
Dock and Port Worker Injuries: Longshoremen and harbor workers face risks from heavy lifting, equipment malfunctions, and falls. Injuries can range from sprains and strains to more severe incidents like crush injuries or falls into the water. A dock worker in Selma might, for example, sustain a back injury while loading cargo or suffer chemical burns from exposure to hazardous materials.
Offshore Platform Incidents: While less common in Montgomery and Selma, workers from these areas may be employed on offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. These environments present risks of falls, equipment failures, and exposure to hazardous materials. An oil rig worker from Montgomery could face injuries from a well blowout or suffer long-term health effects from prolonged exposure to toxic substances.
Commercial Fishing Accidents: Alabama’s fishing industry, particularly in coastal areas, exposes workers to dangers such as drowning, injuries from fishing equipment, and accidents related to severe weather conditions. Even inland, commercial fishing on rivers presents risks, such as entanglement in nets or injuries from processing equipment.
Recreational Boating Injuries: While not strictly occupational, injuries from recreational boating accidents fall under maritime law and can involve complex legal issues, especially when commercial vessels are involved. A pleasure boat collision with a commercial barge on the Alabama River, for instance, would likely involve maritime law principles.

These various scenarios underscore the diverse and often hazardous nature of maritime work. From the decks of riverboats to the docks of inland ports, maritime workers face unique risks that require specialized legal protections and representation.

Unique Aspects of Maritime Injury Claims

Maritime injury claims have several distinctive features that set them apart from typical personal injury cases:

Maintenance and Cure: This ancient maritime right requires employers to provide for an injured seaman’s basic living expenses (maintenance) and medical treatment (cure) until maximum medical improvement is reached. This obligation exists regardless of fault, providing a safety net for injured maritime workers. For example, a deckhand injured on a Montgomery River cruise boat would be entitled to maintenance and cure even if the injury was not due to employer negligence.
Unseaworthiness Claims: Vessel owners have an absolute duty to provide a seaworthy vessel. If an injury results from an unseaworthy condition, the vessel owner may be liable regardless of fault. This could apply to situations like faulty equipment on a barge or inadequate safety measures on a riverboat.
Third-Party Negligence: In maritime settings, injuries may involve multiple parties. For instance, a river worker might be injured due to faulty equipment manufactured by a third party, leading to additional avenues for compensation. This complexity often requires thorough investigation to identify all potential sources of liability.
Statute of Limitations: Maritime injury claims often have shorter time limits for filing. The Jones Act, for example, generally allows only three years from the date of injury to file a claim. This makes prompt action and early consultation with a maritime attorney crucial for protecting one’s rights.

These unique aspects of maritime law can significantly impact the outcome of an injury claim. They underscore the importance of specialized legal knowledge in handling maritime cases, as strategies that work in typical personal injury cases may not be applicable or optimal in a maritime context.

Steps Maritime Workers Should Take After an Injury

When a maritime worker in Montgomery, Selma, or surrounding areas suffers an injury, taking the right actions immediately can significantly impact their health, legal rights, and potential compensation. Here’s a step-by-step guide for maritime workers to follow after an injury:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even if the injury seems minor, get a medical evaluation.
Some injuries, like head traumas or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
Follow all medical advice and keep records of all treatments and diagnoses.

Report the Injury

Inform your supervisor or the ship’s captain as soon as possible.
Make sure the injury is officially documented in the ship’s log or company incident report.
Be honest and thorough in describing how the injury occurred.

Document Everything

If possible, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Keep a personal log of your symptoms, medical treatments, and how the injury affects your daily life.

Preserve Evidence

Don’t discard or repair any equipment involved in the accident.
If clothing was damaged or bloodied, keep it as evidence.
Request copies of any video footage that might have captured the incident.

Be Cautious in Communications

Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice.
Don’t sign any documents or accept settlements without understanding your rights.
Be mindful of what you post on social media about your injury or activities.

Understand Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with maritime laws like the Jones Act or Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Know that you have the right to choose your own doctor in many cases.
Understand your right to “maintenance and cure” if you’re a seaman.

Keep Detailed Records

Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts for injury-related expenses.
Document any lost wages or missed work opportunities due to your injury.
Keep a record of how the injury impacts your personal life and activities.

Follow Through with Medical Treatment

Attend all scheduled medical appointments.
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Keep your employer informed about your medical status and work restrictions

Obtain Legal Representation

Maritime law is complex; consider consulting with a maritime injury attorney.
An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and navigate the claims process.
Many maritime attorneys offer free initial consultations.

Obtain Legal Representation

Maritime law is complex; consider consulting with a maritime injury attorney.
An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and navigate the claims process.
Many maritime attorneys offer free initial consultations.

File Claims Within Time Limits

Be aware of statutes of limitations for maritime injury claims.
Different laws may have different time limits for filing claims.
Prompt action can help preserve your right to compensation.

Return to Work Safely

Don’t return to work until medically cleared to do so.
If given light duty, make sure it complies with your doctor’s restrictions.
Report any difficulties in performing your duties due to your injury.

Stay Vigilant About Long-Term Effects

Some injuries may have long-term or delayed consequences.
Continue to monitor your health and report any new or worsening symptoms.
Consider the potential long-term impact on your career in the maritime industry.

By following these steps, maritime workers in Montgomery, Selma, and across Alabama can better protect their health, legal rights, and financial future after an injury. Remember, each situation is unique, and the specific actions needed may vary depending on the circumstances of the injury and the applicable laws. When in doubt, seeking guidance from a qualified maritime injury attorney can provide clarity and direction in navigating the complex aftermath of a maritime injury.

Contact Our Experienced Montgomery, AL Maritime Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, don’t navigate these choppy legal waters alone. Contact the Fuquay Law Firm today for a free consultation and let us help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team is ready to listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Montgomery Maritime Injury Lawyers