| Our maritime injury lawyers can help you. At Hofmann & Schweitzer, we are extremely proud of the exceptional reputation we have earned in maritime injury litigation. With more than 35 years of experience representing clients in New York and all across the country, we have a remarkable track record of successful verdicts and settlements won for our clients in maritime injury claims. |
Maritime Injury Lawyer
Our Maritime Injury Lawyers Represent Workers in New York, New Jersey, and Nationwide
Maritime occupations can encompass a wide range of jobs, both in the water and on land. At Hofmann & Schweitzer, our maritime attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of all maritime workers injured on the water or docks in New York, in our nations harbors and inland waterways, and out at sea.
Injured maritime workers we commonly represent include:
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Seamen
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Fishermen
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Dock workers
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Harbor workers
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Ship builders
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Longshoremen
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Cruise ship crew (and passengers)
Even if you don’t see your specific title listed here, you may still be eligible to file a legal claim as a maritime worker. Our maritime injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
Understanding How Maritime Law Affects You
In the United States, two main pieces of legislation affect many of the maritime injury claims. These laws specifically address the rights of those who work on the water or in land jobs that are directly tied to offshore business. We represent clients in claims brought under both of the essential maritime injury laws:
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Jones Act claims
The Jones Act covers those who live and work on water vessels. This can include ships, oil rigs and other vessels that are actually out at sea. Depending on the exact work you do, it could be complicated to determine whether you are considered a “seaman” under the legal definition and thus afforded protection under the Jones Act.
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Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claims
These claims involve those who work in the maritime industry but are not considered seamen working on a vessel at sea. In most cases, this can include those working on docks, repairing ships or doing related on-shore work with boats.
Protect Your Rights After a Maritime Injury | Do's and Don’ts
Too often following an accident, maritime workers trust their employers and their insurance companies to offer advice and guidance. However, those entities are out to protect only their own bottom line, and they will do anything to reduce or even deny your claim. Injured workers should take steps as soon as possible to protect their rights and preserve their claim. To that end, DO:
- Get Help
- Seek medical help for your injuries.
- Write down everything you remember about the circumstances of your accident and injury to keep your memory fresh.
- Call an experienced maritime injury lawyer.
Often, injured workers unknowingly say or do things that can do significant and lasting damage to their claim. If you have been hurt in a maritime accident, DO NOT:
- Sign papers without consulting with a maritime injury lawyer.
- Give a recorded statement.
- Delay in seeing a doctor.
- Agree to a settlement before talking with a maritime injury attorney.
- Let your employer pressure you to go back to work before you are ready.
- Wait too long to file a maritime accident claim.
Our Maritime Injury Lawyers Will Fight For Your Full Compensation
You have rights, including the right to work with our New York maritime lawyers. We have the experience and knowledge to protect your rights and make sure you get the full compensation for your injuries. Let us help you through the process.
For information regarding your legal options after a maritime injury, you owe it to yourself to speak with the experienced maritime injury lawyers of Hofmann & Schweitzer. Our maritime injury lawyers are based in New York, but commonly represent clients across the country. Contact us online or call us directly at 800.362.9329 to schedule your free consultation today.