Maritime injury cases are different from accidents on land. The laws that apply to injuries on vessels, offshore platforms, and other maritime settings are governed by a separate body of law known as maritime and admiralty law. These cases can involve complex legal issues, including jurisdiction, liability, and specialized defenses that do not arise in typical personal injury claims.
The same is true for the laws for passengers and recreational boaters. If you were injured while working at sea or traveling on a vessel, your rights and the process for seeking compensation may be significantly different than if the injury occurred on shore. It is important to work with an attorney who understands how these laws operate and how to protect your interests from the start.
At Latti Associates LLC, we focus on maritime injury and wrongful death cases. With decades of experience, we understand the unique challenges these claims present and have a long track record of helping clients recover meaningful compensation. We have represented injured workers, families, passengers, and recreational boaters across the country and around the world.
If you need legal guidance after a maritime accident, we will give you an honest assessment of your case and provide the experienced representation these matters require.
Not all personal injury lawyers are equipped to handle maritime cases. Maritime and admiralty law involves a distinct set of legal rules and remedies, including the Jones Act, unseaworthiness claims, general maritime law, and maintenance and cure. An attorney unfamiliar with this framework may miss important opportunities or make costly mistakes that affect the outcome of your case.
Maritime employers, vessel owners, and insurance companies often have significant resources at their disposal. They are prepared to defend themselves with experienced legal teams and industry consultants. You need an attorney who knows how to anticipate their strategies and respond effectively.
At Latti Associates LLC, we have focused on maritime injury and wrongful death cases for decades. Our attorneys work closely with a network of experts in medicine, marine engineering, and vessel operations. These professionals help us analyze complex facts and provide testimony when needed to support your case in court.
We also have an investigator who plays a critical role in the early stages of each case. This allows us to move quickly, gather evidence, and follow leads while they are still fresh. With strong internal support and a focused team, we are able to devote the time and resources needed to build a case that meets the demands of maritime litigation and helps you pursue the result you deserve.
While your attorney will handle the legal process, there are a few key principles in maritime law that are important to understand.
First, the standards for proving fault are different under maritime law. If you were injured while working on a vessel, you may have a claim under the Jones Act, which is a federal law that protects seamen. The Jones Act requires employers to provide a reasonably safe place to work and to maintain a seaworthy vessel. Unlike typical negligence claims, you do not need to show that your employer’s negligence was the primary cause of the accident. Even if the employer was just one percent at fault, you may still recover damages.
In addition to the Jones Act, general maritime law imposes a duty on vessel owners to provide a seaworthy vessel. If the vessel is not reasonably fit for its intended use, and that condition causes an injury, the owner may be liable. This is called unseaworthiness. One example is a frayed line that snaps and injures a worker. In these cases, fault does not need to be proven in the same way. This is sometimes called liability without fault.
Maritime law also entitles injured seamen to maintenance and cure. This includes daily payments for basic living expenses, as well as coverage for medical treatment. It does not matter who was at fault. If you were injured while working on a vessel in the course of your employment, you are generally entitled to maintenance and cure until you reach maximum medical improvement, or MMI. This means your doctor does not expect your condition to improve further, even with additional treatment.
These protections are unique to maritime law. They are different from the rules that apply in accidents on land or typical workers’ compensation cases. Having an attorney who understands these distinctions is critical to protecting your rights.
Most maritime injury cases are handled in federal court. That makes it essential to work with an attorney who knows how to navigate that system. Maritime law is complex, and not every lawyer is prepared for the challenges these cases bring. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling maritime claims in federal courts across the country.
If you were injured on the water, or lost a loved one to a maritime accident, do not wait to get help. Contact Latti Associates LLC to speak with a member of our team. We have offices in Boston and New Bedford and will meet you nationwide.
