A maritime law attorney, also commonly called an admiralty lawyer, is a specialist in legal matters relating to navigable waters – such as oceans, seas and large lakes – and the activities that occur on or near them. These lawyers handle a wide range of cases governed by maritime (or admiralty) law, which is a separate body of law from standard civil or criminal law
A maritime law attorney handles a wide range of legal issues related to the maritime industry. Their work often includes representing injured parties, wrongful death cases, families, seafarers and offshore workers, handling commercial and contractual disputes, securing compliance and providing legal advice, litigation and dispute resolution, etc
The key characteristics of a maritime law attorney also include: communication skills, analytical and research skills, an understanding of maritime operations, specialist knowledge, and more. If you want to learn more about a maritime law attorney
Maritime Law Attorney | What Does A Maritime Attorney Handle?
A maritime law attorney can help his or her clients with personal injury and wrongful death Jones Act claims, mariner or seafarer injuries, Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA), and Death on the High Seas Act claims, so the importance of a maritime law attorney is truly indispensable during a maritime accident.
A maritime law attorney handles: Cargo disputes, loss, damage, or delay of goods shipped by sea, bills of lading and shipping contracts, or ship-related issues such as:
- Ship arrest and lien
- Shipowner liability
- Salvage claims and collisions at sea
A maritime law attorney is also always on top of environmental and regulatory issues such as oil spills, compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and international maritime regulations, oil spills, etc. and may also handle commercial and insurance disputes, including charter party disputes, marine insurance claims.
Where Does A Maritime Law Attorney Work?
Maritime lawyers work in a variety of areas, including specialized maritime law firms: many firms focus solely on admiralty and maritime law
- International maritime organizations
- Maritime insurance companies
- Shipping companies and maritime business legal departments
- Government agencies, such as those dealing with maritime regulation or safety
If you have been involved in a maritime accident, especially one involving injuries, it is important to consult with an experienced maritime lawyer to understand your rights and seek appropriate legal remedies
When Might You Need A Maritime Law Attorney?
- You are a seafarer who has been injured at work
- Your cargo shipment has been damaged or lost
- Your vessel has been the victim of an accident or environmental explosion
- You are a shipowner who is facing liability or arrest for your vessel.
- You are a company involved in offshore oil/gas, fishing, or shipping
However, it is important to remember that in order to get help from a maritime law attorney, you must be an insured. In fact, in most maritime legal issues, we have seen that people who have suffered accidents and injuries seek help from a maritime law attorney without insurance, so it is essential that you have an insurance account to avail the services
As a maritime law attorney plays a major role in preparing and handling a case, it is your responsibility to create an insurance account before approaching a maritime law attorney. If you are involved in a maritime accident, it is also necessary for everyone to have an insurance account in their personal life