Various federal maritime laws were implemented in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to protect the well-being of sailors and other seaman who spent the majority of their lives at sea. These sailors were often away from their families during the course of their employment. However, if these sailors were injured as the result of their employer’s negligence or were the victim of an accident, they often ended up without a job and their families suffered. The United States Congress recognized this plight of sailors and set about to rectify this through various maritime laws. While many maritime laws still limit the type of recovery sailors and other offshore workers may receive, the laws provide better recoveries than were previously allowed prior to the implementation of these Acts.

The Gulf Coast has experienced a boom of activity over the past few decades with the increase in the number of offshore oil rigs found throughout the Gulf of Mexico. However, the number of workers on offshore oil rigs on the Gulf Coast does not come without corresponding incidents. Injuries have become commonplace within the Gulf of Mexico, and none moreso than the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill had multiple theories of recovery which brought claims under various federal maritime laws. The activity along the Gulf Coast does not seem to be slowing down at any point in the future, and therefore offshore workers must be aware of the recovery options before them in case of injuries.

Maritime law covers injuries which occur on the high seas, through shipping and navigation activities, as well as limited airline crashes and offshore activities. The federal maritime laws were implemented to protect sailors and other offshore workers, but also have the unfortunate consequence of limiting much of the liability depending on the situation. It is therefore important to consult an experienced maritime law attorney prior to bringing a maritime claim.

Workers who are injured while working offshore are entitled to receive compensation for their injuries. It is important to contact an attorney shortly after the accident occurs so that the attorney can begin building the case, which often includes interviewing witnesses and other relevant parties. The longer you wait before contacting an attorney, the more you risk that a witness may forget the important parts of the incident. Additionally, an insurance adjuster for the company responsible for the accident may attempt to contact you shortly after the accident occurs. It is important to limit what you say to the insurance adjuster to protect your claim and ensure that you do not limit your ability to bring a claim later on.

If you have been injured in a maritime accident in the Gulf of Mexico, do not hesitate to contact experienced maritime attorney Tony Malley. Tony Malley has spent his life on the Gulf Coast and understands the region, as well as the federal laws which companies are required to follow after an accident occurs. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.