Areas of Practice
Seaman & Seafarer Claims
We have extensive experience representing seaman in admiralty and maritime cases.
Seafarer's who are injured or become ill, while on service of their vessel, have the right under United States law, to receive free medical care and food & shelter. In addition, all seafarers may have rights under United States law to:
- Wages & tips
- Medical care
- Food & shelter
- Transportation
- Contract benefits
- Money for injuries & disabilities
- To not be sexually harassed at work
Seaman's claims deal with the rights of seaman aboard any type of vessel. To be considered a "seaman" the person must aid in the navigation of the vessel or must contribute to the mission of the vessel. Also the person must spend a significant amount (generally 35% or more) of their time working on a vessel rather than working on land for their employer. Although the work being done by an individual might be on water, if a "vessel" is not involved, then the person is not a seaman. In addition, persons doing traditional seaman's work might also be considered a seaman. This is a very confusing area of the law and is often another pitfall for attorneys inexperienced in practicing admiralty and maritime law. As such, it is hard to set out any hard and fast rules.