3 Reasons You Likely Need A Maritime Lawyer
It is an interesting legal irony that — despite a vast majority of the world's surface being covered with water — maritime law remains a mystery to most people. In fact, many people who are directly affected by maritime laws may not even be aware of it. Yet if you have recently been involved in a dispute involving events that have occurred on navigable waters, then you should consider hiring the services of a maritime lawyer as soon as possible. Read on below to discover more about how an attorney who specializes in maritime cases can be of assistance to you during a legal dispute.
Personal Injuries
Even though advances in technology have made sailing the seas safer than ever before, incidences still occur that may result in an injury. This is true even if you are on board an expensive cruise ship. You may have recently been the victim of a slip and fall accident, for example, or a more serious collision with a heavy piece of cargo that was not properly secured. Both may be directly linked to the negligence of the ship's owner or operator, something that a maritime lawyer can help you prove as you seek compensation for your injuries.
Employee Rights
Not all people who are in need of a maritime attorney are cruise ship passengers. Others may be employed or contracted on a commercial vessel. If you are (or have recently been) a sailor and are worried that a contractual agreement or right has been infringed upon in some way, then it is advisable to begin working with a maritime attorney to see if you have a valid case. They can help navigate the complex intersection of international law and labor law in order to bring about a successful settlement that would be nearly impossible to obtain on your own.
Marine Salvage
Recovering a seafaring vessel is often immensely complicated. It may involve — among a host of other things — issues of ownership, insurance, environmental law, and even international treaties. In order to recover a craft that has been run aground or shipwrecked beneath the surface, one of the first things you should do is contact a maritime lawyer in order to assess your options going forward. Failing to do so can land you in a significant amount of expensive legal trouble, so it is best to err on the side of caution.
Contact a maritime lawyer near you to learn more.