Maritime Accidents: Know Your Rights

Maritime accidents include all incidents that happen on the high seas, both in domestic and in international waters. In a maritime accident, a lawsuit can be filed by jet skiers, military sailors, recreational boaters, cruise ship passengers and seamen.

For people who are injured in a boat accident, filing a lawsuit against the concerned parties is a daunting task. However, if the loss is severe, the sufferer has to stand against all odds to claim just compensation, for which he is entitled. Particularly, in case of debilitating injuries, the responsible parties have the obligation to compensate the injured. Hiring a personal injury attorney to handle your boat accident case should be strongly considered.

Common Causes of Maritime Accidents

A maritime or boating accident occurs typically due to any of the following reasons:

• Collision, sinking, capsizing or flooding: This can occur due to several factors such as natural events, boating under the influence of alcohol, using an unfit vessel or lack of experience in boating.
Accidents due to personal indulgence: A boating accident can happen due to non-adherence to the established safety standards and boating without collecting essential information, such as depth of the water or distance from the shore.
• Fire: Mishandling of the fuel system or carrying inflammables on the vessel can lead to fire accidents.
• Lightning: Rarely, boat accidents occur due to the effect of lightning. In fact, boating under the threat of storm is considered dangerous.

Marine Accidents: Understanding the Laws

The complexity of maritime lawsuits arises due to the multiplicity of laws. Most of the maritime incidents fall under the Jones Act. Seamen can file a lawsuit under this act to hold the ship owner liable for an accident. The incidents of wrongful death or personal injuries are also covered in this act. The injured person does not have to be on the sailing vessel when injury is sustained to file a suit under the Jones Act. However, they should have spent more than 30% of the time on the vessel. Recreation boaters can also file a suit under personal injury compensation laws by hiring a competent personal injury attorney for assistance.

To seek compensation for injuries incurred in a maritime accident, one should consult a Jones Act lawyer. They will be able to assist you in following the correct legal course and can also determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

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