Maritime Injuries

The BP Deepwater Horizon offshore oil rig explosion and subsequent oil spill brought the dangers of maritime work into the international spotlight.  Mikal Watts, founding partner of Watts Guerra Craft, is on the trial team for the BP Oil Spill case and has thus delved  into the world of maritime law on a deep level.  If you're an injured maritime worker, it's important to speak with an attorney who understands maritime law. Contact the national law firm of Watts Guerra Craft.

Workers on ships, tugs, offshore platforms, and other vessels covered under maritime law have some of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in the world. Every year, maritime workers are severely injured or killed on the job.  Working seamen will be regulated by federal laws and international law, which can include general maritime law, the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), and the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA).

The Jones Act and Maritime Law

The Jones Act was enacted to protect the rights of injured seamen, crewmembers, and workers on vessels. The Jones Act definition of a vessel includes not only ships, but barges, oil rigs, and any anything else that is used to transport goods or people on navigable waters. A worker covered by the Jones Act includes anyone who spends more than thirty percent of his time working aboard a vessel on navigable waters.  

An injured seaman can recover damages from their maritime employer when his or her injuries are caused in part by their employer or a co-worker's negligence.  An experienced maritime lawyer will help the seaman or his family show that the vessel owner or operator was negligent, or show defect in the vessel or its appurtenances. 

The Jones Act provides injured seamen the right to maintenance and cure, compensation for lost wages and medical expenses after a work injury.

Experienced Maritime Accident Injury Attorneys

If you're an injured maritime worker, the national law firm of Watts Guerra Craft has the skills, experience and resources necessary to successfully stand up for your rights. We have attorneys who are experienced with handling Jones Act cases and maritime law.  A Jones Act claim must be brought within the statute of limitations, which will vary depending upon where and how the accident happened.

Watts Guerra Craft

The law firm of Watts Guerra Craft has a unique standing among America's workplace and personal injury law firms. Our attorneys have handled some of the largest and most complex personal injury cases in American legal history. We are a national law firm, able to assist individuals and families anywhere in the United States. If were injured on or near a body of water and think you have a maritime case, contact us online or call us at (800) 294-0055.