- Maritime law is highly specialized.
- Jones Act issues can arise.
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act issues can arise.
- Vessel status can matter.
- Worker status can matter.
- Seaman status can be disputed.
- Maintenance and cure rules are specialized.
- Employer negligence can have specialized standards.
- Unseaworthiness may be relevant.
- Vessel owners may have separate responsibilities.
- Contractual relationships can become complicated.
- Offshore employment creates additional considerations.
- Offshore drilling cases may involve multiple entities.
- Foreign vessels can introduce additional jurisdictional issues.
- Federal maritime law can override ordinary state assumptions.
- Deadlines matter.
- Evidence from vessel logs can be important.
- Safety records can be significant.
- Crew testimony may matter.
- Medical treatment documentation is important.
- Employer-provided medical care should be documented.
- Settlement agreements can affect future rights.
- Ask whether the lawyer routinely handles maritime cases.
- Don’t assume ordinary workers’ compensation rules apply.
- Biggest mistake: hiring an attorney unfamiliar with maritime law.
Leave a Reply