Alabama Maritime Attorneys
Billions Won by Maritime Accident Lawyers in Alabama
Offshore work has a long and proud history in Alabama. From oil rigs to fishing, Alabamians have ventured out over open water and add significantly to the state’s economy. In fact, Alabama’s shrimp fishing industry netted $57 million in 2014, making it one of the state’s most valuable industries. Each day, these hardworking Americans face the dangers of working offshore to make an honest living and push the economy along—and the dangers they face are very real. Commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the US.
Our Alabama maritime accident lawyers help offshore workers hold their employers accountable for negligence that results in an accident. When people are injured offshore, they deserve protection for their family and their future. In most cases, that means providing for their medical care, replacing their lost wages, and ensuring that they have enough to take care of themselves if they’re not able to work.
Speak with our lawyers in a free review of your case. Call (888) 493-1629 or use our short online form to reach out to us.
Offshore Injuries Result from Employer Negligence
An employer fails to protect their employees when they fail to use safe practices. To save money, many employers do not execute basic upkeep and allow their vessels and equipment to fall into dangerous disrepair. Lack of maintenance is a common cause of injuries at sea. When an employer is not held accountable for their negligence, employees will be the only ones who continue to pay for their mistakes.
When you get injured at work, maritime law provides you with ways to pay for your medical bills and other hardships. Regardless of your protections, employers are responsible for protecting employees from the hazards of working on an oil rig or vessel. When an employer fails to do this, their negligence is to blame, and they must be held accountable.
Common offshore injuries include:
- Diving Accidents
- Crane Failures
- Vessel Collisions
- Falls
- Dangerous Equipment
- Explosions
- Lift Accidents
- Post-Traumatic Stress
The Laws Protecting US Offshore Workers
To fix some of the gaps and shortcomings of traditional maritime law, Congress has passed four major statutes in US history. These 4 statutes govern trade and workers’ rights on America’s waterways, between US ports, and on American merchant marine vessels. These laws are the following:
The most important of these laws for workers injured offshore is the Jones Act. Officially called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, this law allows injured seamen to file claims against employers for negligence or unseaworthiness. Unlike maintenance and cure, the Jones Act requires proof of fault—however, it also provides for far more avenues of compensation.
The Jones Act allowed workers to claim:
- Lost wages
- Loss of lifetime earning capacity
- Physical and mental anguish
- Present and future medical costs
- Living expenses during recovery
Our Alabama Maritime Injury Attorneys Fight for Results. No Matter What.
Lasting physical pain, mental trauma, and financial insecurity are things that no one should have to face alone. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what most injured workers are facing when they suffer an accident at sea. The Alabama maritime lawyers at Arnold & Itkin are dedicated to fight for workers who have been unfairly injured due to negligence.
Our lawyers have a long history of results for maritime workers. We fought for the over one-third of the crew of the Deepwater Horizon after an explosion left 11 dead and dozens injured. Our team represented four families who lost their husbands in the sinking of the El Faro.
We also won a settlement for a shrimp boat worker when he sustained a serious back injury due to the carelessness of his employer. All told, our firm has won billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, including more than 100 results in excess of $1 million each. If you need help, call.
If you've suffered during an offshore accident, our Alabama maritime law firm is ready to fight for your recovery. Call us now at (888) 493-1629 for help.
