Questions about Maritime Law?

San Diego Maritime Lawyer Frederick Dudek Has the Answers

• What is maritime law?
• How is maritime law different from other forms of law?
• Does the Jones Act cover my injury?
• Do I qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act?
• What is a claim of unseaworthiness?
• What exactly are maintenance and cure benefits and how do they relate to my lawsuit?
• Do special rules apply to non-traditional situations, i.e. boating on rivers and lakes, injuries on personal watercraft such as jet skis, injuries while riding as a passenger on a friend’s boat, etc.?
• Do United States maritime laws apply outside the United States?
• What is the statute of limitations on Jones Act or maritime accident lawsuits?

If you have been in an accident at sea, you may be able to seek compensation through maritime law or the Jones Act. However, these regulations are complex, and people often do not know whether they have a legitimate claim. Thankfully, experienced San Diego maritime attorney Frederick Dudek from Dudek Law Firm APC is here to answer some of the questions he most commonly receives about maritime law.

Q: What is maritime law?

A: Maritime law is a set of rules and statutes governing injuries that occur on navigable waters. Maritime law originally stems from ancient times, and has developed through common law over hundreds of years. Maritime law provides benefits to those injured on navigable waters (whether while on the job or not), and includes Jones Act claims. The Jones Act is a subsection of maritime law that covers claims filed by injured seamen.

Q: How is maritime law different from other forms of law?

A: Maritime law is unique in that it protects those injured on the water even when no land-based laws apply. The regulations surrounding maritime law are entirely separate from land-based regulations. These types of lawsuits require an attorney who is experienced with maritime injury cases. In some situations, land-based laws also apply, and there is some overlap between maritime law and land-based laws. In these cases, you will need an attorney who can determine which laws apply to your case and how you should seek compensation.

Q: Does the Jones Act cover my injury?

A: The Jones Act covers any injury sustained by seamen while working on a navigable vessel. For instance, if a cruise ship employee was hurt on the job, he or she could file a Jones Act claim. However, if an employee who works on a casino ship that is permanently tethered to land were hurt on the job, the Jones Act may not apply, because the casino ship never goes to sea. Note that non-traditional vessels such as oil rigs and floating structures also fall under the Jones Act.

Q: Do I qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act?

A: A worker is a normally considered a seaman if he or she has a strong connection to a single vessel or a single fleet of vessels. Typically, if you spend most of your working hours aboard one vessel or in one fleet, you are protected by the Jones Act.

Q: What is a claim of unseaworthiness?

A: An unseaworthiness claim is based on a vessel, or equipment, which is unsafe. It can include unsafe operation of the vessel or defective machinery on the vessel.

Q: What exactly are maintenance and cure benefits and how do they relate to my lawsuit?

A: Maintenance and cure benefits are no fault benefits, which means that an injured worker can receive maintenance and cure benefits regardless of who was at fault for the worker’s injuries. The benefits include compensation for food and lodging (maintenance) and compensation for medical expenses (cure). However, these benefits rarely cover the full expenses of an injury, and it is important that you file a Jones Act lawsuit if you wish to receive a full settlement.

Q: Do special rules apply to non-traditional situations, i.e. boating on rivers and lakes, injuries on personal watercraft such as jet skis, injuries while riding as a passenger on a friend’s boat, etc.?

A: For most injuries sustained on a body of water, maritime law applies (though the Jones Act may not, as it only applies to injured seamen). General maritime law is applicable to recreational watercraft users on most rivers, lakes and bays, in addition to seas and oceans. Passengers on another person’s boat are also eligible to seek compensation through maritime law. However, the regulations apply differently to recreational boaters, and you will need an attorney who is intimately familiar with maritime law to help you build a comprehensive case.

Q: Do United States maritime laws apply outside the United States?

A: In some cases, yes. If you suffer an injury in an accident on a United States vessel, even if you are in international waters, you may be able to seek compensation through a Jones Act lawsuit. The process is more complex if the accident occurred in international waters. Some employers try to force their injured workers to file claims in other countries that have less strict maritime laws. Our legal professionals can help you ensure that your claim is filed under United States law, and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Q: What is the statute of limitations on Jones Act or maritime accident lawsuits?

A: In most cases, you will have up to three years to file your claim, though certain circumstances can require you to file a claim within a year (or less) of your injury. An experienced attorney can help you determine when you need to file your claim. Normally it is best to file your claim as soon as possible after your accident occurs.

The bottom line is that the Jones Act is complex, but the Dudek Law Firm APC can help you build a strong case and receive the compensation you deserve. If you have been in an accident on the water, contact San Diego maritime lawyer Frederick Dudek from Dudek Law Firm APC today.