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After a Maritime Accident, What Are the Next Steps?

What to Expect After a Maritime Injury or Loss at Sea

A serious injury at sea or the loss of a loved one often brings urgent questions about medical costs, lost income, and what steps to take next. Filing a maritime injury or wrongful death claim cannot undo what happened, but it can provide accountability and financial support during a difficult time. Our attorneys have guided clients through these situations with clarity, focus, and a strong understanding of maritime law.

In cases involving death, families are often left without clear answers about what really happened. As part of our legal work, we investigate the facts, consult with experts, and help bring those answers to light. Whether the injury occurred on a commercial vessel, cargo ship, or recreational boat, we apply the law with precision and care. Our team is here to help you avoid missteps, understand your rights, and pursue the compensation you are entitled to receive.

First Steps to Take After a Maritime Accident

Preserve Your Health and Protect Your Claim

After a maritime accident, your first priority should be your health. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries do not seem severe. Early treatment not only supports your recovery but also creates a medical record that may serve as critical evidence in your case. Delays in care can be used against you later.

Document the Scene

If possible, take photographs of the vessel, equipment, and location where the incident occurred. If you are unable to do so yourself, ask someone at the scene to take photos using their phone. Conditions on vessels often change quickly, and early documentation can preserve important details that may otherwise be lost. These images can play a key role in establishing what happened and who may be responsible.

Speak with a Maritime Attorney Early

After receiving medical care, your next step should be to consult an attorney who focuses on maritime law. These cases involve legal frameworks that are different from standard personal injury claims. While a local attorney may be familiar with state tort law, they may not understand the specific rights, procedures, and defenses that apply under federal maritime statutes. An experienced maritime lawyer can evaluate your case, protect your interests from the outset, and begin building a claim that anticipates the defenses the other side will likely raise.

Be Cautious About Who You Speak With

After a maritime injury, it is just as important to know who not to speak with. Vessel owners and their insurers often act quickly to protect their interests. You may be contacted by company representatives, lawyers, or investigators who will attempt to gather statements, examine the scene, and shape the narrative in their favor. Their objective is to minimize the company’s responsibility and shift blame onto you or your loved one.

These early interactions can have a lasting impact on your case. Our attorneys step in immediately to manage communication, preserve your rights, and ensure that nothing is said or signed that could be used against you later.

How a Maritime Attorney Can Help

After a maritime accident, having the right legal team can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and how your family moves forward. At Latti Associates LLC, Carolyn Latti and her team guide clients through every stage of the process with focus, clarity, and care. We will:

  • Listen to your concerns about medical care, financial pressure, and the impact on your family. We can help coordinate payment of medical bills and assist in securing the maintenance and cure benefits you are entitled to receive from your employer.

  • Advise you on how to respond to contact from insurance companies, vessel owners, or attorneys representing the other side. We will guide you on whether to speak with them, whether to provide a statement, and what risks certain conversations may pose to your case.

  • Handle every part of your claim, from filing the lawsuit to managing discovery, negotiations, and trial preparation. You will not have to navigate these steps on your own.

  • Pursue the best possible outcome, whether through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict. When compensation is secured, we ensure that funds are structured to support your long-term needs and your family’s future.

  • In cases involving wrongful death, we provide support to grieving families and handle the legal process with care and sensitivity.

  • Make ourselves available to you throughout your case. Our team prioritizes communication, and someone from our office is always accessible, including on weekends if needed.

What to Look for in a Maritime Injury Law Firm

Choosing the right law firm after a maritime accident is critical. Not every personal injury firm is equipped to handle the specific legal and procedural demands of these cases. A strong maritime injury law firm will offer the following:

Experience Across a Variety of Maritime Cases

Maritime injury law is complex and involves a range of employers, vessel owners, and insurers. A firm with experience handling a variety of maritime matters will understand the roles of each party and how to navigate those relationships during litigation. At Latti Associates LLC, we have secured million-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured workers and families, and we know how to position a case for success from the start.

Clear Communication and Responsiveness

A good maritime law firm does more than explain legal strategy. It listens. Your concerns about treatment, lost wages, and family responsibilities deserve attention. By understanding what you are going through, your attorney is better equipped to advocate for your present and future needs, both in negotiation and at trial.

Strong Resources and Legal Support

Pursuing compensation under the Jones Act, general maritime law or securing maintenance and cure benefits requires more than legal knowledge. It requires a team..At Latti Associates, our attorneys work alongside an experienced support staff of lawyers, paralegal(s)(s) and investigator. andsi This allows us to build strong cases efficiently, investigate thoroughly, and devote more time to representing our clients in and out of court.

Ready to Learn More About Your Legal Options?

If you or a family member has been injured at sea or in a maritime setting, it is important to work with a lawyer who understands this area of the law. Maritime claims are governed by specific statutes and procedures that differ from typical personal injury cases. At Latti Associates LLC, we focus on representing maritime workers and their families, and we are prepared to guide you through every step of the process.

We offer consultations to help you understand your rights and discuss your legal options. Our attorneys are available to meet at our offices, or at a location that is convenient for you nationwide. Contact us to speak directly with a member of our team.

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“Someone was always available. It was usually Carolyn herself, and she would pick up on one ring. There was a time when I think I called her around nine o’clock. I had a question pop into my head, so I knew she was off the clock doing family stuff, but she still hopped on the phone and took care of the stuff that she knew I was concerned about.”

Sky K.

“We chose Latti & Anderson for our legal team because of their excellent reputation. I would also say the overall process of the firm handling the claim was above and beyond. Carolyn and Dave, they were exceptional when it came to professionalism, their attention to detail, and you could tell that they cared.”

Kevin and Traci

“I chose the firm, I was recommended through somebody who had heard some really good things about them,” says Chris. “And after doing research myself, I kind of came to the conclusion they were the best of the best. The reason I like the firm was the whole process was fast, easy. I was in touch with everybody the whole time.”

Chris C.
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