Around one hundred years ago, seafaring was a way of life for many men around the country. It was a way to provide for their families and was a sure source of income. However, if these men were injured during the course of their work or unfortunately were the victim of a terrible accident, not only were they out of a career, but their families suffered financially as a consequence. The United States Congress and state and federal courts grappled with these issues for years before developing a new type of law which covered all types of actions which occurred on waterways, known as maritime or admiralty law.

Maritime law allows recovery under several federal acts, including the Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Each Act covers a unique area of maritime law and will cover different types of injuries and accidents. For example, the Death on the High Seas Act covers the financial damages which stem from the wrongful death of a loved one which takes place on the high seas. The Jones Act allows for recovery from an employer when a worker has been injured while working in the scope of a seafaring or offshore activity. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides damages in the form of workers’ compensation claims, which offers a different type of recovery than the Jones Act. Other acts have also emerged over the years which provide different forms of recovery for specific industries and accidents.

Many of the maritime law acts which are often relied upon were drafted in the early twentieth century and have not undergone any substantial revisions. While injuries on the high seas or on offshore platforms may fall within these federal acts, the acts also limit the type of recovery families and injured victims may receive from their employers. The family of loved ones killed in a wrongful death action often are unable to receive much of a benefit aside from funeral expenses and a projection of the workers’ salary. It is therefore important to consult with an experienced maritime law attorney to determine the full spectrum of your recovery options.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a maritime accident, do not hesitate to contact Tony Malley. Tony Malley is an experienced maritime law attorney who has assisted clients in securing recovery under the different types of maritime acts. Each case is different and involves a unique fact pattern, and therefore a different type of recovery option. While large companies may attempt to force you to settle for a small amount of money, do not accept this amount before discussing with an experienced attorney. You are entitled to the compensation you deserve for your injuries, and the fact that you were not on land at the time of the injury should not impede your ability to recover. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.