If you have been injured offshore, on the river, in a harbor, or working on a dock, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries under the Jones Act and/or general maritime law. For example, you are entitled to maintenance and cure, which compensates you for any medical treatment you receive as a result of your accident. You may also be entitled to compensatory damages, which can help replace lost earnings, lost earning capacity, pain, suffering and mental anguish.
While there are many personal injury attorneys out there who will look for a quick, easy settlement to your case, your accident may require more specialized knowledge of the law. Maritime law can be complex; cases require viewing a client’s world from every angle and forging connections. When you are injured at sea, on a waterway, in a harbor, or on a dock, your case may be governed by admiralty and maritime law. Claims under the Jones Act and/or general maritime law can include:
At Ben Bowden, PC, we represent workers and individuals who have been injured in accidents offshore, on inland waterways, on the Intracoastal Waterway, and in the Gulf of Mexico. If you have been injured on the water through no fault of your own, contact us today to discuss your case.
Maritime law, sometimes called admiralty law, is a fundamental body of statutes and treaties that govern commerce and the navigation of private maritime operations. It covers a large spectrum of aspects such as:
At Ben Bowden, P.C., we primarily focus on maritime injury law practice, covering negligence claims, maritime accidents, maintenance and cure claims, the Jones Act, and other maritime injury claims. Our firm represents employees who work in the Gulf area and on the Mississippi River.
Essentially, Federal laws often govern maritime matters. Although admiralty cases are governed by federal law, sometimes they can be tried in state courts.
In most cases, admiralty laws are created to safeguard maritime workers if they get injured at work. However, for a personal injury to be considered a maritime matter and qualify for a claim, it must satisfy three conditions.
Undoubtedly, maritime injury cases are quite complex, which is why it is critical to let an experienced Gulfport and Lucedale maritime lawyer like Ben Bowden, PC handle your admiralty injury claim to increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
The Jones Act, also referred to as Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a U.S. federal statute aimed to enhance stability in the shipping industry. It regulates maritime matters in the United States and encourages the development and growth of the marine industry. The Jones Act also serves as a worker-friendly law that provides marine employees with the right to claim compensation in the event of accidents.
Marine accidents are associated with problems aboard ships, usually due to dangerous conditions such as rocky waters and adverse weather. Typically, the admiralty sector comprises an extensive range of job sites and occupations such as offshore maritime facilities and ports.
As a result, maritime workers are subject to different types of maritime accidents and injuries both on land and on water. The most common maritime accidents include:
If you have a case involving a maritime accident, we at Ben Bowden, P.C. are prepared to fight for you. Our experienced maritime attorneys will represent you in and out of court to ensure you get the compensation you need to focus on your recovery and support your family. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Report the injury as soon as possible and make sure the report is accurate. Get medical care, even if you think the injury may improve on its own. Maritime injuries can become worse over time, especially back injuries, head injuries, shoulder injuries, and joint damage.
You should also write down what happened while the details are still fresh. Include where you were, what equipment was involved, who saw the accident, and whether unsafe conditions played a role.
That depends on the type of claim and your circumstances. In many maritime injury cases, the company or insurance carrier may try to direct medical care. However, your choice of doctor can matter, especially if your injury affects your ability to return to offshore, vessel, harbor, or dock work.
Before assuming you have no say, it may be worth speaking with a Gulfport maritime injury attorney about your options.
Do not assume that ends your claim. Maritime injury cases often involve several factors, such as unsafe equipment, poor training, short staffing, lack of maintenance, bad weather decisions, or failure to follow safety procedures.
Even if you think you may have made a mistake, there may still be a valid claim depending on what happened and which law applies.
Maintenance and cure can help injured seamen while they recover. “Maintenance” generally refers to basic living expenses. “Cure” refers to medical treatment related to the injury.
These benefits are different from damages for pain, suffering, lost earning capacity, or other losses that may be available in a Jones Act or general maritime law claim.
Possibly. Maritime work does not always happen in open water. Injuries can happen on docks, in harbors, around cargo, near vessels, on offshore platforms, or in other areas connected to maritime work.
The key question is not just where you were hurt. It is what kind of work you were doing, how the accident happened, and what law applies to your role.
The timeline depends on the injury, the medical treatment, the employer or insurance company’s position, and whether the case can be resolved without trial. Some cases move faster once the injury is clearly documented. Others take longer because the full impact on future work and earning ability needs to be understood.
A quick settlement may not account for long-term medical care, permanent restrictions, or the loss of offshore income.
Be careful. A recorded statement can affect your claim, especially if you are still in pain, on medication, unsure what caused the accident, or do not yet know the full extent of your injury.
Before giving a statement, you should understand who is asking for it, how it may be used, and whether you are required to provide it.
A maritime injury can affect your health, your income, and your family’s future. If you were hurt offshore, on a vessel, on inland waters, in a harbor, or on a dock, Ben Bowden, PC Trial Lawyer can help you understand your options and what steps may come next. Call 228.896.5652 to schedule a consultation.
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