What Is A Maritime Lawyer?

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. first opened its doors back in 1971. Since then, we have grown our law firm to include seven office locations across the United States with 16 full-time maritime and cruise ship accident attorneys. Collectively, we have 250+ years of legal experience and our maritime injury lawyers have been successful in recovering more than $450 million for our clients in the 50 plus years we have been in business.

We have successfully handled more than 3,000 cases and are proud to report that four of our maritime attorneys were named to “Best Lawyers” ®, “Lawyer of the Year” ® in Admiralty and Maritime (Miami), and Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. was named as one of the “Best Law Firms” ® in America by US News & World Report every year since 2016. Our unparalleled success rates and  confidence make us uniquely qualified to help injured maritime workers and their families demand the compensation they are owed. If you are a victim of a cruise ship accident or work-related accident you suffered as a crewmember on a ship, reach out to one to one of our  maritime accident lawyers right away.

What Does A Maritime Lawyer Do for Injured Workers?

A maritime accident lawyer represents clients in disputes and lawsuits  involving maritime law. Maritime injury lawyers may represent maritime workers, and passengers in personal injury claims, maritime contract disputes, and other matters involving any type of vessel. A maritime injury lawyer can also draft and negotiate maritime contracts, such as charter party agreements, shipbuilding contracts, and marine salvage contracts. They may also advise clients on compliance with maritime regulations, such as those governing the carriage of goods by sea.

The lawyer will identify the parties potentially liable for the client’s injuries, which may include shipowners, operators, employers, manufacturers of defective equipment, or other negligent parties. Based on the assessment of the case and the available evidence, the maritime lawyer will develop a litigation strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for maritime injury claims. This strategy generally involves demanding compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other forms of damages.

The maritime injury lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkelman, P.A. have represented clients in all aspects of maritime law, from Jones Act claims and maritime personal injury cases to Admiralty law matters and International Maritime Organization conventions. We have the experience and knowledge to handle even the most complex maritime legal issues, and win.

Understanding the Role of a Maritime Injury Attorney

A maritime lawyer specializes in the laws and regulations related to navigable waters. They handle legal matters for clients associated with maritime activities.

Maritime Industry Law Basics

Maritime industry law, put simply, governs activities on the seas and other navigable waters. It includes both domestic laws and international agreements. One of the more unique aspects of maritime law is how nuanced it is.  That is, it involves the combination of state laws, federal laws, and international laws and conventions.  It is this breadth of the law that requires maritime attorneys to focus on this singular practice area.  And that is precisely what we have done since our inception in 1971.

Key Responsibilities of Maritime Injury Lawyers

Maritime lawyers must navigate a complex body of laws. Their responsibilities include:

• Legal Advice: Providing legal guidance on maritime issues to clients.
• Litigation: Representing clients in court, covering disputes ranging from accidents to contractual disagreements.
• Negotiation: Mediating between parties to reach settlements.
• Advocacy:  Working tirelessly and vigorously to represent our clients.

Maritime lawyers deal with a variety of cases, such as personal Injury claims. These are cases related to injuries on cruise ships, cargo vessels, pleasure craft, yachts, jet skis or waverunners or any other maritime vessel.

What Does a Maritime Injury Attorney Need to Know?

To be a successful maritime lawyer, you need to have a strong understanding of maritime  law and the relevant statutes, treaties, and conventions. You also need to be extremely familiar with the admiralty procedure rules and maritime law jurisprudence.

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., an experienced maritime injury lawyer will deeply understand this aspect of the law and the relevant legal concepts, as indicated by the extensive and growing list of maritime injury cases that we have successfully handled.

What Is The Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a federal law that provides seamen with certain protections and benefits, much like workers’ compensation for onshore workers (although there are many differences between state-mandated workers’ comp and federal law under the Jones Act). Under the Jones Act, a seaman who is injured while working on a vessel can bring a claim against their employer for negligence. The Jones Act also allows for claims of unseaworthiness, which is when a vessel is not fit for its intended purpose.

This key piece of maritime law is important for maritime lawyers to understand strongly. At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our maritime attorneys have represented clients in countless Jones Act claims and other maritime personal injury cases. We know the law inside and out, and we know how to get our clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Compensation Claims For A Maritime Injury

If you have been injured while working on a vessel, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The first step is to determine whether you are covered under the Jones Act or another maritime law. If you are covered, you can then bring a claim against your employer for negligence or unseaworthiness.  If you are not covered, there are other viable legal options available to you.

The maritime lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkelman, P.A. have represented clients in all types of maritime personal injury claims, including those involving the Jones Act, unseaworthiness, and third-party negligence. We know how to build a strong case on your behalf and get you the maximum compensation possible.

Common Causes of Injury for Maritime Workers

There are many different ways that a maritime worker can be injured. Some of the most common causes of maritime injuries include:

• Falls overboard
• Falls from height
• Slip and fall accidents
• Machinery accidents
• Explosions and fires
• Collisions
• Assault
• Repetitive lifting cases

You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in any type of maritime accident. The first step is to determine whether you are covered under the Jones Act or another maritime law. If you are, you can then bring a claim against your employer for negligence or unseaworthiness.

Who Is Covered Under The Jones Act?

The Jones Act applies to any seaman working on a vessel against a United States based employer. This includes a wide variety of seafaring workers. If you are injured while working on a vessel, you are likely covered by the Jones Act, but trying to make sense of the legal process of getting the compensation you deserve is complicated.

This is where the maritime lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. can help. We have represented clients in all types of maritime personal injury claims, including those involving the Jones Act, unseaworthiness, and third-party negligence. We know how to build a strong case on your behalf and get you the maximum compensation possible.

What Is Covered By The Jones Act?

If you are injured while working on a vessel, you have certain rights under the Jones Act. These include the right to:

• Bring a claim against your employer for negligence
• Seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Bring a claim for unseaworthiness if the vessel was not fit for its intended purpose.

What Should I Do After A Maritime Injury?

If you have been injured while working on a vessel, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. While the details are still fresh in your memory, you should also write down everything you remember about the accident. This will be helpful when you file a claim.

Once you have sought medical attention and documented the accident, you should contact a maritime lawyer to discuss your case. Each maritime injury lawyer at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. has represented clients in all types of maritime personal injury claims, including those involving the Jones Act, unseaworthiness, and third-party negligence. We know how to build a strong case on your behalf and get you the maximum compensation possible.  Remember, our consultation is always free.  So give us a call today to speak with one of our award winning maritime attorneys.

Contact Our Award-Winning Maritime Lawyers Today

Maritime injury laws in the U.S. are notoriously complex. You do not have to go through this difficult time alone. Access the compensation and benefits you are entitled to when you contact a reputable maritime injury lawyer at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. for help.

Our firm will work tirelessly to get your Jones Act or maritime injury  claim resolved,  and fight voraciously for maximum compensation in your personal injury lawsuit. Start working on your case as soon as today when you complete our convenient contact form or call our office at 888-311-9929.