Understanding Maritime Law & How It Impacts You
When the United States was part of the British colonies, maritime law was the law.
Because of this, many of the nation’s current maritime laws have been influenced by old laws. In particular, maintenance and cure is a concept that has been part of working offshore for centuries. Maintenance and cure refers to the responsibility that vessel owners have for their crew’s safety. When a crew member is injured, employers are obligated to make sure they receive medical care and compensation until they’ve reached the best recovery possible.
Despite being governed by some of the oldest, most well-established set of laws, offshore work remains dangerous for workers. From the docks of harbors to the cargo ships that make industry possible, workers face considerable danger. That’s why our San Antonio maritime lawyers work to protect the interests of workers have they’ve been injured working offshore. Suffering workers deserve more than what their companies typically offer to them.
Arnold & Itkin fights to make sure they get it.
Does the Law Protect Maritime Workers?
Yes, modern laws exist that provide protections to seamen as well as longshore and harbor workers. While maintenance and cure is part of the core of maritime law, the United States has new laws that help correct parts of this maritime law that no longer serve the modern offshore worker.
There are four important maritime laws workers should know about:
These laws help injured seamen and harbor workers recover losses associated with an accident that extend beyond what maintenance and cure would provide. Each provides important paths toward compensation that workers can use to obtain the compensation they deserve from negligent parties that failed to protect their safety.
Common Maritime Injuries & Accidents in San Antonio
Working in and around ships is dangerous. Because of this, employers, vessel owners, and supervisors are responsible for making sure workers are safe. By holding negligent parties accountable, our San Antonio offshore injury law firm has two goals. First, we want to make sure those wronged by unsafe work practices offshore receive the compensation they need. Second, we hope to deter other companies from allowing negligence to creep into their operations as well.
Common accidents our San Antonio maritime law firm helps people recover from include:
- Diving accidents
- Crane failures
- Vessel collisions
- Slips and falls
- Dangerous equipment
- Explosions and fires
- Lift accidents
- Post-traumatic stress
Protecting San Antonio Workers Injured in Offshore Oil Rig Accidents
While many residents of San Antonio work in oil exploration on land, many commute to the Texas harbors to be taken offshore to work. On oil rigs, workers often have 12-hour shifts and don’t see land for up to two weeks at a time. It’s a demanding job—both physically and mentally—that’s seven times deadlier than the average workplace in the nation. However, just because workers have a dangerous job doesn’t mean accidents that harm them are excusable. Companies know how to mitigate these accidents and they have no moral or legal excuse when a preventable accident occurs.
Helping Those Seriously Injured in San Antonio Boat Accidents
A boat accident can transform a time of fun on the water into a moment of tragedy and uncertainty. Like car accidents, vessel crashes can cause serious injuries and, in the worst instances, death. Just as with other types of accidents, boat accidents are almost always preventable. This means those who are suffering from one deserve answers from the people who could have prevented their suffering. If you’re suffering because of an accident, our San Antonio boat accident lawyers are ready to fight for the justice you deserve. Our team is known for never backing down from a fight. We refuse to settle for less than what our clients need because we know that results help rebuild lives after the unthinkable.
Fighting for Offshore Workers in San Antonio. No Matter What.
If you’ve suffered because of an offshore accident or harbor incident that should have been prevented, help is available. Our team has helped workers and their families secure the justice they deserve, including those who survived the Deepwater Horizon disaster. We’ve recovered billions of dollars for clients and are ready to start fighting for you.
Have you suffered an offshore injury? Give us a call today at (888) 493-1629 for your free consultation! We serve clients in San Antonio, Bexar County, and throughout Texas.
