Maritime Injury Lawsuit in 2024 - Ultimate Guide - Maritime Lawyers
If you incurred injuries while working aboard a vessel, don’t wait until it’s too late to file a maritime injury lawsuit in 2024. These types of cases begin when the worker tries to recover a settlement by filing an insurance claim. You can easily file a claim against the negligent party’s liability insurance policy. In most cases, this option is the simplest and quickest legal recourse to recover damages.
However, the insurer might not provide the maritime worker with a reasonable and adequate settlement offer. Therefore, to ensure a fair maritime injury settlement, you need to provide evidence and support the claim for injury and damages.
You also need to gather solid evidence and convince the insurance company that you deserve fair compensation for your injuries, expenses, and other damages. As a result, the insurance representative will try to protect the company’s bottom line. If you do not receive a good settlement, you may need to sue the liable party.
Reasons to file a maritime injury lawsuit
There are three (3) general circumstances why injured workers need to sue and take their case to trial. It includes:
- The at-fault party or their insurer blames the victim for the accident.
- The insurance company will not negotiate in good faith.
- The negligent party refuses to accept liability for the injuries.
How much can I claim for maritime injury damages?
The recoverable damages in your maritime injury lawsuit claim depend on the applicable laws where the injury was incurred. You have a right to maintenance and cure under any of these laws, regardless of who is to blame. The damages in a maritime injury include, among others, medical treatment costs and an income allowance until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
Under the Jones Act, you are entitled to recover damages for the following:
- Lost wages, including future lost income.
- Medical treatment.
- Pain and suffering.
- Out-of-pocket expenses.
- Other intangible losses.
You would need to document your injury-related expenses and keep all bills and receipts to seek and secure a fair payout in your case.
How a maritime law attorney can help you win your lawsuit
- Identifying the liable party.
- Investigating the accident and gathering proof, such as photographs, videos, witnesses, and more, to support your claim.
- Explaining the maritime laws that apply to your maritime injury claim.
- Seeking a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Answering all your questions and addressing any concerns.
- Preparing all paperwork for you.
- Meeting any and all deadlines.
- Taking your maritime injury case to trial if necessary.
What to do after getting hurt in a maritime accident
Get immediate medical treatment for your wounds right after being injured in a maritime accident. After all, some injuries do not exhibit detectable symptoms right away, even though they could cause irreparable harm or lead to a sudden medical crisis later.
Here are some suggestions of things you should consider doing after getting hurt in a maritime accident:
1. Complete your medical treatment plan immediately.
If possible, finish everything your attending doctor prescribed, such as physical therapy, taking medications on a daily basis, and more. We understand that these things can be inconvenient, but following the treatment plan will help you get a better chance of optimal recuperation. Additionally, doing so will remove any argument that the defendant should pay you less money just because you have healed better by completing the treatment.
2. Consult a maritime accident attorney as soon as possible.
There are specific deadlines and rules that must be followed in maritime injury cases. Missing the deadline could cost you the right to get compensation. The statute of limitations to file a maritime injury claim is three (3) years from the date of the accident.
3. Stay disconnected from social media.
Although sharing what happened to you online can be tempting, doing so might put you in trouble. The defendant could take your photographs, videos, and comments out of context and twist them into something you never intended. It would also help if you ask your family and friends to refrain from posting anything about the accident or you on their accounts.
If you still have any doubt, choosing a skilled, licensed, and experienced maritime injury attorney is your best decision. They will provide you with all the additional guidance specific to your claim.
How do out-of-court settlements work in maritime lawsuit?
Maritime injury lawsuit start with trying to recover a settlement from an at-fault party’s insurance company. In theory, the insurance company should offer you a fair settlement covering all your damages and losses. However, getting fair compensation for your injuries, sufferings, and expenses can prove tricky since insurance adjusters aim to keep payouts as low as possible.
A dedicated maritime injury lawyer will work with you to recover an out-of-court settlement on your behalf. Your trusted lawyers will also protect your legal rights fully and defend you from any insurance tactics designed to minimize a settlement, such as blaming your injury on pre-existing conditions or asserting that the maritime injury and the whole accident happened due to your carelessness.
Ethen Ostroff Law knows what you may be entitled to under maritime law. Therefore, they will fight for what they may deserve. But when it comes to settling a claim out of court, it takes two to tango. As such, if the other side stubbornly denies you fair compensation, our skilled and experienced maritime injury lawyer will not hesitate to fight for your day in court. Our goal is for you to get the maximum maritime injury lawsuit amount.
What are you waiting for? Contact Ethen Ostroff Law now at 610-510-8883 ( by calling this number, you consent to receive SMS updates from Ethen Ostroff Law) or Submit Form to get free consultation.
