Mobile Maritime Injury Lawyer

Seeking Compensation for Maritime Workers Injured On the Job

Were you or a loved one hurt in a maritime accident off the coast of Mobile, AL? You could be entitled to compensation–but maritime injury cases can quickly become complicated.

Mobile maritime injury lawyers specialize in representing individuals who have been injured while working on ships, boats, or other vessels. These attorneys are well-versed in maritime law and are dedicated to helping their clients seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

For more than 70 years, our law firm has stood up to protect accident victims’ rights across Alabama. We know the stakes are high if you’re injured–and we’ll do everything possible to enforce your legal right to compensation. If you have been injured while working in the maritime industry, contact our experienced team today at 215-850-5528 for a free consultation. An experienced Mobile maritime injury lawyer at Lattof & Lattof, P.C., can fight to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve.

What Causes Most Maritime Injuries in Mobile, Alabama?

Maritime accidents can happen at sea or on dry land. Unfortunately, most maritime accidents happen because someone was careless. Cutting corners can increase profit margins for maritime employers–and some businesses are willing to put your safety in jeopardy to make an extra buck.

Some of the most common causes of maritime injuries in Mobile are:

Defective or malfunctioning equipment
Failure to follow maritime industry safety regulations
Worker fatigue and overworking
Negligent hiring practices–or failure to properly screen and train workers
Drug or alcohol use
Lack of proper safety protocols
Unsafe work conditions

Employers in Alabama are responsible for the negligent acts of their employees. Offshore injury cases are also handled differently than onshore workers’ compensation claims. In other words, you could have rights outside the scope of the Alabama workers’ compensation laws.

At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we represent all injured maritime workers in the gulf coast area, including those who were hurt on or in:

Fishing boats
Shrimp boats
Docks, wharves, or piers
Shipyards
Cruise ships
Offshore oil rigs
Cargo ships
Personal watercrafts
And more

If you were hurt, reach out today to learn more about how we can help fight to recover damages in your case.

What Are Common Injuries from Maritime Accidents?

Victims of maritime accidents often suffer:

Traumatic brain injuries
Back injuries
Broken bones
Burn injuries
Crushing injuries
Head and neck injuries
Concussions
Organ damage
Amputations
Paralysis
Drowning
Hypothermia
Wrongful death

What Should You Do Immediately After a Maritime Injury?

Experiencing a maritime injury can be daunting, but the steps you take immediately after the incident can greatly affect your ability to seek compensation. Here are the key actions to take:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the priority. Even if the injuries seem minor, getting a prompt medical evaluation is essential. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a thorough assessment ensures proper documentation for any future claims.

Report the Incident

Inform your employer or the vessel’s captain as soon as possible. This step ensures that the incident is officially documented and an internal investigation is initiated. Retain copies of any written reports or documents for your records.

Gather Evidence

If it’s safe to do so, collect evidence related to the accident. This includes taking photos of the site, your injuries, and any equipment involved. Obtain contact information from witnesses who may provide helpful statements.

Keep Detailed Records

Maintain organized records of medical treatments, related expenses, and any communications about the accident. These records are invaluable for building your case and determining the compensation you may be entitled to.

Consult a Maritime Injury Lawyer

Maritime law is complex, and an experienced attorney can provide guidance, evaluate your case, and protect your legal rights throughout the process.

What Is My Mobile Maritime Injury Case Worth?

You might already be struggling financially if you were hurt on the job. It’s understandable that you’re probably wondering what your personal injury case is worth–and how long it might take to settle. That all depends on the specific facts of your case.

The value of your injury claim will typically depend on:

The nature and severity of your injuries
How long you’re off the job
Whether you have any permanent disabilities
The extent of medical treatment required to treat the injury
Your pain and suffering

At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we’ll dig deep to find out what caused your accident and injuries. We’ll also stand up for your rights if your boss tries to pressure you into returning to work before you’re ready. Don’t hesitate to reach out for legal advice if you have any questions about getting fair compensation for your injuries.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Maritime Injury Victims?

Maritime injury cases are particularly complex because a number of different laws may apply. The applicable law can impact the types of damages that are available to victims.

THE JONES ACT

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that extends general state personal injury laws to seamen who are injured or killed on the job. Jones Act protections apply if you did most of your work on the vessel itself.

If the Jones Act applies, you could be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including damages for:

Past and future bills
Past and future lost wages
Diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
And more

In other words, injured seamen may be entitled to the same types of damages that are available to victims of car accidents or slip and falls–if you can prove that someone else’s negligence caused the injuries.

GENERAL MARITIME LAWS

Owners of vessels are required to provide safe, seaworthy conditions for workers under general maritime laws. If you were hurt because the vessel was unseaworthy, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. You could even hold the responsible party accountable for punitive damages.

LONGSHORE AND HARBOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACT

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides compensation for medical bills if you were hurt working on a dock, wharf, pier, terminal, or another area where vessels load and unload cargo and passengers.

If this federal law applies, you can also recover disability benefits to make up for your lost wages while you recover. Workers who can’t return to the same line of work also qualify for vocational rehabilitation.

MAINTENANCE AND CURE

Maintenance and cure compensates seamen and offshore workers for the cost of their room and board while they recover on land. It also covers your medical expenses.

You can receive payment for maintenance and cure until you’re fit to return to work–or until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.

What Are the Long-Term Implications of a Maritime Injury?

Maritime injuries can have lasting effects on victims and their families. Understanding these potential impacts is crucial for planning your recovery and legal actions:

Physical and Emotional Recovery

Severe injuries may result in long-term disabilities, requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. The emotional strain, such as anxiety or depression, can also affect your quality of life.

Financial Strain

Expenses linked to a maritime injury, such as healthcare costs and income loss, can lead to considerable financial strain.

Career and Lifestyle Adjustments

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to change your career path or adjust your daily life. Vocational rehabilitation programs can aid in transitioning to a new occupation if necessary.

Compensation can help alleviate these burdens.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit if I Sustained a Maritime Injury in Alabama?

It’s important to understand the statute of limitations that applies in your personal injury case. The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing your maritime injury lawsuit.

Most personal injury victims have two years to file a lawsuit in Alabama civil court. However, the Jones Act statute of limitations gives you three years to file your injury claim. The LHWCA only gives victims one year to file a claim.

We highly recommend speaking with an experienced maritime accident attorney if you were hurt offshore or working near the ports in Mobile. If you miss the applicable deadline, you could miss out on your right to compensation. Call Lattof & Lattof, P.C., anytime to learn more.

How Does Maritime Law Differ from Other Personal Injury Laws?

Maritime law, also referred to as admiralty law, applies to incidents that occur on navigable waters and differs significantly from other types of personal injury laws in the following ways:

Jurisdiction

Cases involving maritime law can be brought in federal court, but under certain conditions, they may also be heard in state court. The choice of jurisdiction can influence the strategies used in your case.

Applicable Laws

Maritime law includes statutes like the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and general maritime law. These laws offer specific protections and remedies for maritime workers depending on their employment status and the nature of the incident.

Compensation Types

Victims of maritime injuries can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Maritime law also includes unique remedies, such as “maintenance and cure,” which provide living expenses and medical care during recovery.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Maritime Accident in Alabama?

Most personal injury victims have to prove negligence to recover compensation. Maritime law is a combination of common law rules and specific statutes that apply only to maritime workers.

To establish your right to compensation, you’ll have to prove:

Where the accident happened (onshore, offshore, on the vessel itself, etc.)
Your status at the time of the injury (harbor worker, longshoreman, seamen, passenger, etc.)

Some maritime injury victims don’t have to establish negligence at all. In other cases, you will have to prove negligence according to common law rules.

Proving negligence means offering evidence that your employer or the responsible party:

Owed you a duty of care
Breached that duty
Caused your injuries
Caused you to suffer damages

Proving negligence in a maritime accident case isn’t always easy. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we’ll get to the bottom of what happened in your case.

What Are Common Challenges in Maritime Injury Cases?

Maritime injury cases can present unique hurdles that require specialized legal prowess:

Complex Legal Framework

Determining which maritime laws apply and how they interact can make cases difficult to navigate. A thorough understanding of the legal landscape is essential.

Proving Liability

Establishing negligence or unseaworthiness may require extensive investigation, especially when large corporations or multiple parties are involved.

Employer Retaliation

Some workers may face retaliation for filing claims or be pressured to return to work before fully recovering. Legal representation can protect your rights and help address these challenges.

How Can You Protect Your Rights as a Maritime Worker?

Protecting your rights as a maritime worker requires understanding your legal protections and taking proactive steps:

Know Your Rights – Familiarize yourself with laws such as the Jones Act and LHWCA to understand the protections available to maritime workers.

Document Incidents – Keep detailed records of work conditions, safety concerns, and any accidents. This documentation could act as vital proof if you must submit a claim.

Seek Legal Advice – Consulting an experienced maritime lawyer can provide clarity on your options and ensure your rights are upheld throughout the process.

How Can Lattof & Lattof, P.C., Help if You’ve Suffered a Maritime Injury in Mobile?

Mobile is less than three hours from the open sea. Understandably, maritime industries form a huge part of Mobile’s economy. Sometimes those industries create dangerous conditions for both workers and passengers.

If you were hurt on a fishing boat, cruise ship, dock, or shipyard, maritime laws may apply in your case. These cases can be tricky. You’ll have to know which laws apply to your injury claim–and what you have to do to recover compensation. Our experienced Mobile personal injury lawyers at Lattof & Lattof, P.C., are here to help.

When you hire us to protect your rights, you can rest assured that your maritime attorney will:

Identify all maritime laws that could provide maximum compensation in your case
Investigate to determine causation and establish liability
Fight back if someone tries to blame you for getting hurt
Negotiate with insurance companies to make sure you get the fair compensation you deserve
Protect you from any retaliation or pressure to return to work before you’re ready

Maritime injury cases can be brought in state or federal court. While federal courts have primary jurisdiction, you can hire a Mobile personal injury attorney to handle your case.

Our personal injury firm has more than 100 years of collective experience. We’re prepared to put that experience to work in our fight to recover the maximum available compensation in your case. Here’s how we can assist:

Tailored Legal Strategies – We customize our approach based on the specific circumstances of your case to address all relevant legal issues and maximize your compensation.

Detailed Investigations – Our team conducts thorough investigations to gather evidence, identify liable parties, and build a compelling case.

Negotiation and Litigation – Whether we are working to reach a settlement or presenting your case in court, we are ready to defend your rights and interests.

Continual Support – We assist you throughout each phase of the legal journey, making sure you remain informed and receive support continuously.

Why Choose Lattof & Lattof, P.C. for Your Maritime Injury Case?

Selecting the right legal team is vital for the success of your maritime injury claim. At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., we offer:

Proven Experience

With over 70 years of handling maritime cases, we have the know-how needed to navigate complex legal challenges.

Client-Focused Representation

Our team prioritizes your needs, offering personalized attention and dedicated support throughout the legal process.

Commitment to Justice

We are passionate about protecting the rights of maritime injury victims and pursuing fair compensation on their behalf.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, contact Lattof & Lattof, P.C. for a free consultation. Call us at 215-850-5528 to discuss your case and explore your legal options.