Representing Injured Mississippi Maritime Workers

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:

  • Jack-up rig /semi-submersible rig accidents
  • Supply boat accidents
  • Tugboat accidents
  • Dredge accidents
  • Barge accidents
  • Commercial fishing accidents
  • Cargo ship accidents
  • Oil / gas platform accidents

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.

What Is Maritime Law?

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:

  • Personal injury
  • Torts
  • Employment and human rights issues, often related to the crew
  • Maritime injuries
  • Customs and excise regulations
  • Offenses against international maritime laws

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.

When Is a Case Considered a Maritime Case?

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.

  1. The accident must have occurred on the sea,
  2. A vessel must be involved, and
  3. The accident must have happened while the employee was conducting job-related duties.

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

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.

Maritime 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:

  • Offshore maritime injuries – Offshore admiralty jobs like natural gas wells and oil rigs pose a significant danger to offshore workers due to the risky environments and heavy machinery involved.
  • Crude oil tankers and cargo ships accidents – Tankers transport hazardous materials, and a slight mistake can lead to an explosion causing severe injuries and huge losses.
  • Grounding of the ship – This type of marine accident occurs when the base of the ship’s hull scrapes along the ocean bed.
  • Vessel sinkings – Maritime vessels can sink for different reasons, some unavoidable and others due to negligence like skimping maintenance or ignoring seaworthiness issues.
  • Certain oil rigs - In maritime law, an oil rig can be considered a vessel. Workers injured on an oil rig are entitled to the same rights and protections under the Jones Act.

Get a Mississippi Maritime Lawyer Today

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.

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Testimonials

Mr. Bowden has been a very good choice for us. He's taken care of things when we didn't have any idea where to turn. We highly recommend him.

Former Client | Personal Injury

Ben was awesome to work with. His assistant was able to address most of my questions during my case. Ben always found time to explain in layman’s terms how the court process worked. We won the case.

Former client

Mr. Bowden handled my workers' compensation case through trial and won big. He then filed a bad-faith case on the way my workers' compensation claim was wrongfully handled by the insurance company. I didn't even know I had that claim before he told me. I highly recommend Mr. Bowden. He took it to the other side at trial.

Former client | Workers Compensation

Ben has handled things for me for years. He has always done a great job. He comes to Lucedale to meet and that's been important to me.

Ben P.
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Gulfport Office
BridgeWater Commons
8927 Lorraine Rd, Suite 204-B
Gulfport, MS 39503
Lucedale Office
398 Ratliff Street
Lucedale, MS 39452
contact
Tel: 228.896.5652
Fax: 228.896.5689
bowden@benbowdenlaw.com
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