CHARLESTON MARITIME ATTORNEY

“Offshore” is a unique job location, as it doesn’t always correlate with state or national boundaries. Maritime law protects those who work on and around the water.

• The Merchant Marine Act of 1920: Also known as the Jones Act, this legislation holds owners and operators accountable for keeping their vessels in seaworthy condition.
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA): The LHWCA provides coverage for employees who work on navigable waters of the United States as well as adjoining areas like docks, piers, and loading areas.

Workers’ compensation: If you’re injured while working at sea, you may file a workers’ compensation claim to receive coverage and other benefits.

Negligence: In a case of negligence, you might sue your employer or boating insurance company. In order to prove negligence, you’ll need evidence such as:

• Photographs or videos of injury or property damage
• Photographs or videos of the scene of the incident
• Eyewitness statements
• Police reports

Though maritime injuries can vary, there are a few types of commonly claimed damages.

Medical bills: You may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, services, and supplies in addition to travel expenses for said treatment.

Disability compensation: There are a few factors that determine how much you may be compensated for a maritime disability claim. Based on the severity of the injury, your claim will be filed under one of the following categories:

• Permanent total or temporary total disability
• Permanent partial disability
• Temporary partial and nonscheduled permanent partial disability
• Permanent partial disability for retirees

Death benefits: If you’ve lost a loved one to a maritime injury, the compensation you’re owed depends on your relationship to them. The family may receive up to $3,000 for funeral expenses, and widows may receive half of the deceased’s weekly wages until they pass away or remarry. If you’re the firstborn child and the sole survivor, you may also claim 50% of the deceased’s weekly wages.

Our maritime lawyers work on a contingency fee basis: we don’t get paid until we win, and we take our fee out of the trial winnings or successful settlement. You’ll never have to pay out of pocket, which means you can always afford our top-tier representation.

Morgan & Morgan has the resources to take on the biggest bullies and win. Here are some of the other benefits of working with us:

• Over $30 billion recovered for our clients
• More than 1,000 attorneys across the country
• 24/7 access to our team

If you’ve suffered a maritime injury, you’ll need an attorney that specializes in maritime law. Contact Morgan & Morgan’s Charleston, West Virginia office, or fill out a free case evaluation form to learn how we can help.