The LeadersIn Maritime Law

Risks of Not Hiring a Lawyer?

Maritime Law Is Notoriously Complex & Full of Nuances

Bringing a claim under the Jones Act, Death on High Seas Act, or Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act requires the assistance of a skilled, aggressive and dedicated offshore injury attorney who will analyze your case. While most maritime law issues fall under federal jurisdiction, many can also include a number of other matters, like personal injury or maritime products liability, which could be handled by a state court. This makes for a particularly complicated legal matters that need to be carefully parsed and properly filed. Review of a maritime law case will take many factors into consideration, many of which other injury lawyers may not necessarily be familiar with.

Unique issues maritime lawyers are versed in included:

  • Vessel seaworthiness
  • Status of workers and vessels at the time of the incident
  • Maritime statutes of limitations (which differ from those on land)
  • Relevant international law (like import/export regulations)

Any mishandling of these matters can result in negative outcome for the client, or a complete dismissal of the case. Maritime cases frequently involve large corporations and insurance companies with prepared legal counsel and extensive resources. The injured party should retain knowledgeable legal representation for their case.

Won't my insurance cover me?

Unfortunately, the main priority of offshore employers and their insurance companies is not always their employers. Too often, they pressure the victims to accept the lowest settlement and are reluctant to give them just compensation. Having a legal representative on your side in these situations can be invaluable. A maritime attorney with experience in dealing with these large entities may be the only way to obtain the compensation you deserve.

You Don't Have to Face This Alone

For many families, an injury can cause a large financial burden to be placed on their shoulders. The thought of hiring an attorney on top of medical expenses and lost income can seem overwhelming. That's why many firms, ours included, work on a contingency fee basis. Contingency fees allow representation to be hired without initial payment—the attorneys are paid only after your case is successfully resolved. That way, their is no financial risk in hiring an experienced maritime lawyer from our seasoned legal team. There are several ways to file a lawsuit for an accident that occurred offshore, but proper representation can ensure the lawsuit covers all the needs of the client.

For the victim, maritime law can cover the following:

  • Compensation for medical expenses, past and future
  • Maintenance benefits while out of work (rent, food, etc.)
  • Pain and suffering (especially if a death has occurred)

Although having an attorney on your side is not a surety that you will win your case, it greatly increases your chances of receiving a fair settlement. You owe it to yourself and your family to gain the maximum compensation for your injuries so that you do not have to continue to suffer because of the negligence of a co-worker or employer.

What is it Like To Work With Arnold & Itkin

Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.

I encountered professionalism, understanding, compassion… lot of compassion. They really felt for what me and my wife were going through.
~ Deepwater Horizon Crew Member

Work with a lawyer who truly understands Maritime Law.

Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.

Related Maritime Videos
  • Our founding partners have worked together for more than a decade.

  • To us, being a lawyer means more than just handling paperwork.

  • We know this a difficult time. Let us help.

  • Our firm isn’t afraid to take on the largest companies.

  • In a day and age where most lawyers do everything they can to avoid court, we are proven trial attorneys. We have a reputation for taking our cases to trial when necessary, which means our clients have a better chance of achieving the outcome they deserve.

  • Your choice in lawyer is potentially one of the most important decisions that you will make following a serious maritime accident. Make sure it is the right choice. Hire an attorney who has the experience to represent you well and the commitment to investing in your best interests—someone who you can trust.

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