Lexis Nexis
Gary W. Starnes Attorney at Law
736 Georgia Avenue
Suite 404 Dome Bldg.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone (800)281-2403
Fax (423) 266-7193
Email: gstarnes@volstate.net
Maritime Lawyer
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Maritime Law and The Jones Act
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The Federal Maritime Law and the Death on the High Seas Act govern injuries sustained in maritime related cases. Unlike common international maritime law, the Jones Act gave seamen the right to sue employers for personal injuries suffered in the course of employment. These rights include claims for personal injuries (or heirs can file wrongful death claims) suffered in the course of employment, much like Workers’ Compensation laws cover workers in non-maritime employment.
People covered by maritime law include harbor workers, longshoremen, merchant seamen, passengers and other people navigating the waterways.
Employer Responsibilities
The Jones Act stipulates that employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for seamen including ensuring the vessel is seaworthy being responsible for the actions of those in their employ such as ship captains and crew members.
What Else Is Covered By Maritime Law?
In addition to personal injury and wrongful death rights, maritime law covers water and mineral rights, maritime operations, navigation of vessels on the oceans, marine commerce and shipping operations, passenger transport, certain maritime related land activities, maritime questions and maritime offenses. It involves U.S. laws, public international law, private international law and treaties. Consequently maritime law can become quite complex.
Who Can Pursue a Claim?
If you are an employee in a maritime-related profession and were injured in the course of performing your job, or if you were injured while a passenger on a ship or small vessel, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. An experienced maritime attorney such as Gary Starnes, serving Tennessee and Georgia, can determine your rights under the specific conditions surrounding your loss, and he will advise on whether or not you have a viable personal injury maritime claim.
As in any personal injury claim, please be wary of insurance adjusters who may try to coerce you into settling for less than your claim is worth. You deserve compensation for the full extent of your injuries, losses, expenses, and suffering.
If you need the counsel of an experienced maritime lawyer , please contact Gary Starnes, Attorney at Law, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. Starnes is licensed to serve clients in Tennessee and Georgia. You may also call 1-800-281-2403 for a complimentary evaluation of your claim.