If you or a loved one suffered a maritime injury in Houston, AK Law Firm wants to help you. Maritime injuries are emotionally and financially devastating and have the potential to be deadly. When offshore accidents occur, emergency resources may be miles away, making victims’ conditions worsen while waiting for care. Our Houston maritime injury attorneys at AK Law Firm are:

• Educated in the field of maritime law
• Experienced in pursuing maritime injury claims
• Compassionate towards individual client needs

We want to provide you with an honest evaluation of your claim and explain your legal options. At AK Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve by law. Call and schedule a no-cost case consultation today.

What Can a Maritime Injury Attorney Do to Help Me?

Maritime law is complicated and unique. That is why not every attorney practices maritime law. When AK Law Firm takes your claim, we represent you by:

• Evaluating your claim and building a strong and persuasive maritime injury case
• Gathering detailed documentation of your accident such as logs, camera footage, witness reports, medical records, and any other accident-related documentation
• Handling all necessary paperwork for employers, insurance companies, and the court
• Actively negotiating for a full and fair settlement of your claim
• If there is no agreeable settlement, taking your case to trial

The maritime injury lawyers at AK Law Firm know you and your family are probably overwhelmed after your accident. Allowing us to deal with the legalities of your claim needs gives you a much-needed opportunity to heal.

What is Maritime Law?

Maritime law, or admiralty law, is a group of laws, both domestic and international, that governs shipping, cargo, maritime injuries, passenger transportation, goods transportation, accidents, and personal injuries at sea. Maritime law divides the types of damages available to the injured according to their classification, the place of injury, and the circumstances surrounding the injury.

Recovery and Compensation for Seamen

Seamen who suffer injuries while at work may recover damages and compensation under the following maritime laws:

Maintenance and Cure

Seamen injured at work are due Maintenance and Cure benefits. It does not matter how the accident happened as long as it happened while the seaman was working. Maintenance covers the seaman’s basic daily living expenses during recovery. Cure covers the seaman’s injury-related medical expenses during recovery, including doctor visits, medication, examinations, rehabilitation, any special medical equipment needed, and costs associated with traveling to medical appointments.

The Jones Act

Seamen must prove their injuries are partly due to another party’s negligence to receive damages under the Jones Act. Damages under the Jones Act include lost wages, medical expenses, pain, suffering, disfigurement, lost wages, and lost earning capacity. The amount of damages depends on the extent of the injury and the case details.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

This is a workers’ compensation program that provides compensation to workers who are injured while working on navigable waters or on and around adjoining areas of navigable waters, including tasks such as loading and unloading cargo from vessels, repairing ships, and working on decks and piers. The LHWCA covers any worker employed in maritime occupations but excludes anyone eligible for state benefits and compensation. Injured employees are eligible to receive approximately 2/3 of their weekly wages throughout their recovery. They may also get compensation for loss of earning capacity. Death benefits are available to a surviving spouse.

Recovery and Compensation for Non-Seamen

Seamen acting in their work capacity may not collect the following types of recovery and compensation: Death on the High Seas Act. The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), applies to any maritime accident that happens more than three miles from the shores of the United States or its territories. It provides damages for the wrongful death of a maritime worker. DOHSA claims are only available to the spouse, children, dependent relatives, or representatives of the deceased. Passenger personal injury. Passengers aboard cruise ships and other vessels also fall under maritime law. Passengers may file a claim against a shipowner for any injuries caused by a shipowner’s or crew’s negligence.

Reach Out Today For Legal Counsel

There are statutes of limitations for filing maritime law claims. Therefore, it is crucial to speak with an experienced maritime law attorney, like those at AK Law Firm, as soon as possible about your claim. At AK Law Firm, we focus on you. We are determined to change the way you think about attorneys. Call us today and schedule your consultation to learn more about what makes us stand out from other firms.