What Is A Maritime Lawyer?

A maritime lawyer is an attorney who specializes in maritime law. Maritime law is the body of law that governs activities at sea and in navigable waters, and with respect to shipping. A maritime lawyer can handle a broad variety of maritime specific claims such as injuries at sea, shipping or cargo disputes, contractual disputes and many other types of claims.  

The award-winning maritime lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. have over 200 years of combined experience, and with over $300 million in awards recovered for our clients and a number of successful landmark cases in our repertoire, it’s no surprise that our firm has been named to “Best Law Firms”® by US News & World Report since 2016, and that 4 of our attorneys have been named to “Best Lawyers”®.

What Does A Maritime Lawyer Do?

A maritime lawyer represents clients in disputes and transactions involving maritime law. They may represent shipowners, marine insurers, maritime workers, and passengers in personal injury claims, maritime contract disputes, and other matters. Maritime lawyers also draft and negotiate maritime contracts, such as charter party agreements, shipbuilding contracts, and marine salvage contracts. They may also advise clients on compliance with maritime regulations, such as those governing the carriage of goods by sea.

The maritime attorneys at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkelman, P.A. have represented clients in all aspects of maritime law, from Jones Act claims and maritime personal injury cases to Admiralty law matters and International Maritime Organization conventions. We have the experience and knowledge to handle even the most complex maritime legal issues.

What Does a Maritime Lawyer Need to Know?

To be a successful maritime lawyer, you need to have a strong understanding of maritime law and the relevant statutes, treaties, and conventions. You also need to be extremely familiar with the admiralty procedure rules and maritime law jurisprudence.

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkelman, P.A., our maritime lawyers deeply understand maritime law and the relevant legal concepts, as indicated by the extensive and growing list of successful cases that we have represented — and will continue to represent.

What Is The Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a federal law that provides seamen with certain protections and benefits, much like workers’ compensation for onshore workers (although there are many, many differences between state-mandated workers’ comp and federal law under the Jones Act). Under the Jones Act, a seaman who is injured while working on a vessel can bring a claim against their employer for negligence. The Jones Act also allows for claims of unseaworthiness, which is when a vessel is not fit for its intended purpose.

This key piece of maritime law is important for maritime lawyers to understand strongly. At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our maritime attorneys have represented clients in countless Jones Act claims and other maritime personal injury cases. We know the law inside and out, and we know how to get our clients the full and fair compensation they deserve.

Compensation Claims For A Maritime Injury

If you have been injured while working on a vessel, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The first step is to determine whether you are covered under the Jones Act or another maritime law. If you are covered, you can then bring a claim against your employer for negligence or unseaworthiness.  If you are not covered, there are likely viable legal options available to you.  

The maritime lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkelman, P.A. have represented clients in all types of maritime personal injury claims, including those involving the Jones Act, unseaworthiness, and third-party negligence. We know how to build a strong case on your behalf and get you the maximum compensation possible.

Common Causes of a Maritime Injury

There are many different ways that a maritime worker can be injured. Some of the most common causes of maritime injuries include:

• Falls overboard
• Falls from height
• Slip and fall accidents
• Machinery accidents
• Explosions and fires
• Collisions
• Food poisoning
• Assault
• Repetitive lifting cases 

You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in any type of maritime accident. The first step is to determine whether you are covered under the Jones Act or another maritime law. If you are, you can then bring a claim against your employer for negligence or unseaworthiness.

Who Is Covered Under The Jones Act?

The Jones Act applies to any seaman working on a vessel against a United States based employer. This includes a wide variety of seafaring workers. If you are injured while working on a vessel, you are likely covered by the Jones Act, but trying to make sense of the legal process of getting the compensation you deserve is complicated.

This is where the maritime lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. can help. We have represented clients in all types of maritime personal injury claims, including those involving the Jones Act, unseaworthiness, and third-party negligence. We know how to build a strong case on your behalf and get you the maximum compensation possible.

What Is Covered By The Jones Act?

If you are injured while working on a vessel, you have certain rights under the Jones Act. These include the right to:

• Bring a claim against your employer for negligence
• Seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Bring a claim for unseaworthiness if the vessel was not fit for its intended purpose.

What Should I Do After A Maritime Injury?

If you have been injured while working on a vessel, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. While the details are still fresh in your memory, you should also write down everything you remember about the accident. This will be helpful when you file a claim.

Once you have sought medical attention and documented the accident, you should contact a maritime lawyer to discuss your case. The lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. have represented clients in all types of maritime personal injury claims, including those involving the Jones Act, unseaworthiness, and third-party negligence. We know how to build a strong case on your behalf and get you the maximum compensation possible.  Remember, our consultation is always free.  So give us a call today to speak with one of our award winning maritime attorneys.  

Contact Our Award-Winning Maritime Lawyers Today

Maritime injury laws in the U.S. are notoriously complex. You do not have to go through this difficult time alone. Access the compensation and benefits you are entitled to when you contact a reputable maritime injury lawyer at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. for help. 

Our firm will work tirelessly to get your Jones Act or LHWCA claim approved, and fight voraciously for maximum compensation in your personal injury lawsuit. Start working on your case as soon as today when you complete our convenient contact form or call our office at 877-233-1238.