Maritime and boat injuries can be catastrophic and life-changing. Whether you are a maritime worker and were injured while on the job out at sea, or a passenger of a cruise ship who was injured while on the ship, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the means for seeking and obtaining compensation are different for maritime workers and passengers or other individuals who are out at sea for reasons aside from employment.
Injured Maritime WorkersMaritime workers risk life and limb each day they are working out at sea, whether they are working on a cruise ship, an oil platform, or a fishing vessel. Many people are familiar with workers’ compensation and how most employees are able to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they have been injured while on the job.
However, if maritime workers are injured while on the job, they may not be able to file a traditional workers’ compensation claim. Instead, they may have to file a claim in accordance with the Jones Act in order to seek compensation for the injuries they have suffered. Claims filed under the Jones Act are similar to workers’ compensation claims in that the injured maritime worker is seeking compensation to cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages. Because maritime law can be very confusing, it is important that you consult with an experienced Maine maritime and boat injury attorney right away to discuss your potential Jones Act claim.
Other Maritime and Boat InjuriesWhile a maritime worker may have to file a Jones Act claim in order to seek compensation for the injuries suffered, a passenger or another individual who is not a maritime worker may pursue a cause of action against the owner of the boat, cruise ship, or other vessel where the injury occurred. For example, if you are a passenger of a cruise ship, and you slip and fall while on the ship and are injured, you may seek compensation by filing a personal injury action against the owner of the cruise ship. However, you should be aware that defendants in maritime or boat injury cases are likely to fight tooth and nail to avoid paying injured individuals the compensation they deserve, and you will need a seasoned Maine maritime and boat injury attorney to fight on your behalf.
The Involvement of Insurance CompaniesRegardless of how your maritime or boat injury occurred, and where the injury occurred, you should expect that insurance companies may be involved. For this reason, it is especially important to ensure you have a Maine maritime and boat injury attorney by your side who has the required experience to help you pursue a Jones Act claim, or an individual personal injury claim against the allegedly responsible party. If you have dealt with insurance companies before, you know all too well how difficult it can be to resolve a claim, no matter how minor or severe the claim is. It takes the skill and dedication of an attorney who will advocate diligently on your behalf to ensure you are receiving the compensation you deserve.
Contact Peter Thompson & Associates Today to Schedule a ConsultationAt Peter Thompson & Associates, our qualified Maine maritime and boat injury attorneys have the experience necessary to help you receive the compensation you deserve. With law offices located in Portland, which is our main office, Falmouth, and Bangor, our attorneys are able to provide outstanding legal services to citizens all over the state of Maine. To schedule a consultation with one of our Maine maritime and boating injury attorneys, contact us today by calling toll-free at 1 800.804.2004, or you may contact us online and we will respond to you as soon as possible.