Maritime Workers Legal Rights

Over $1 Billion Recovered for Maritime Accident Victims. We are proud to have a reputation for aggressively fighting for the rights of injured workers.

Protecting Maritime Workers Rights

Offshore and maritime jobs can be dangerous, putting workers at risk of injuries due to negligence and the nature of the job. Thankfully, several acts and general maritime laws exist to protect maritime workers legal rights.

The general rights of maritime workers involved in injuries are covered below, but make sure to contact Lambert Zainey immediately in the event of offshore injuries to protect your rights and secure any due compensation.

Maritime Workers Legal Rights

Companies We’ve Fought Against

Lambert Zainey has obtained recoveries from a long list of maritime companies, including some of the biggest names in the industry.

Rights For Different Types of Maritime Workers

Offshore work is inherently dangerous. From oil rigs to vessels, these environments pose unique risks. Thankfully, laws like the Jones Act, LHWCA, and OCSLA offer some protection for injured workers. But navigating these complex legal waters can be challenging.

Seamen working on a vessel, ship, barge, chemical ship, cruise ship or cargo ship are protected against employer negligence under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. Seamen injured as a result of employer negligence may receive compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses, including x-rays, medications, exams, physical therapy, rehabilitation, etc.
  • Loss of wages, benefits, and motility
  • Pain and suffering due to physical pain and mental anguish

Many seamen covered by the Jones Act who are injured on the job are also entitled to Maintenance and Cure benefits. These benefits provide compensation for expenses such as room and board and medical treatment until the employee reaches maximum medical improvement “MMI” or is able to return to work.

Exact coverage depends on the situation and injuries. Consulting an attorney ensures workers receive all eligible compensation and that nothing is left out.

While the Jones Act covers seamen, the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) protects shore-side or harbor-side maritime workers legal rights. Longshoremen and harbor workers fall under this protection, as well as various other jobs involving the loading and unloading of ships and vessel repair.

Eligible injured employees under the LHWCA qualify for benefits similar but slightly better than Worker’s Comp benefits, which help to cover the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of wages
  • Survivor benefits in the event of employee death

General Maritime Law is the age-old law of the sea which provides basic rights to seamen. These rights include the right to recover for personal injuries caused by the unseaworthiness of a vessel and the right to maintenance and cure in the event that the seaman is injured or becomes ill while in service to the vessel.

Maritime Law Frequently Asked Questions
case results

Over $1 Billion Recovered for Maritime Accident Victims

see all case results
Murphy Oil Spill
$330 MILLION SETTLEMENT

Oil storage tank rupture at the Murphy Oil USA refinery in Chalmette, LA. The fastest class certification and resolution of a case of its type and magnitude to date.

ARCO Explosion
SETTLED IN ONLY 12 MONTHS

Arco cryogenic platform explosion caused by improper cold cut of Southern Natural Gas pipeline. Settlement for the injured and deceased in approximately twelve months.

Get Help Protecting Your Legal Rights

Whether you work on the river, the inland waterways, offshore, or are a longshoreman, ship builder or harbor worker, you likely have rights to compensation and benefits for being injured on the job. Lambert Zainey will work with you to determine your eligibility and help you pursue a claim.

Consult one of our maritime lawyers in New Orleans for experienced injury representation.


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