There were 38 large ships lost globally in 2022. Closer to home, the US Coast Guard recorded 363 boating fatalities in 2022, a decrease from 2021. Being injured while working at sea or inland can be devastating. You may be facing serious injuries, lost wages, expensive medical bills, and an uncertain future. There have been 448 major cruise ship accidents since 2005, with many deaths on board.
Trying to handle your maritime injury claim on your own can be extremely difficult. Maritime law is complex and maritime insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with. Hiring an experienced maritime injury lawyer to handle your claim is critical.
Here are the top 5 reasons to hire a maritime injury lawyer.
1. They Have Extensive Experience in Maritime Law
Maritime law is a highly complex and specialized area of law. According to Ryan Zehl and his team of Houston maritime injury lawyers, some intricate laws and regulations govern legal claims for injuries at sea. Lawyers have comprehensive knowledge of laws like the Jones Act and are experienced in applying them to injury claims. They know how to navigate the complicated legal process, deal with strict statute limitations, and comply with all legal protocols in maritime cases. Having an expert on your side levels the playing field when dealing with maritime insurance companies.
2. They Can Investigate Your Accident
Conducting a thorough investigation of an accident at sea is crucial but difficult without legal experience. Your lawyer can board the ship, inspect equipment, interview witnesses, collect evidence, and build a compelling case regarding how and why the accident occurred. Having an in-depth investigation on your side provides leverage when trying to negotiate a fair settlement.
3. They Can Handle Negotiations
Insurance adjusters represent the maritime companies who want to pay as little on claims as possible. They will often make low offers in hopes claimants will accept. Experienced lawyers know what maritime claims are worth. They can negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure you are offered a complete and just settlement.
4. They Can Take Your Case to Trial
Maritime companies are well aware your lawyer can take them to court if needed. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an experienced trial lawyer has the experience, resources, and tenacity to build a convincing case in court. Having a maritime lawyer ready to take the case to trial gives you leverage in negotiations.
Pursuing compensation after a maritime injury is full of legal complexities. There are intricate legal processes to follow, critical evidence rules, statutes of limitations, and specific qualifications to meet, among other hurdles. Experienced maritime lawyers guide you through the confusing legal maze so critical mistakes are avoided. They know the most strategic legal approach to give your case the highest chance of success.
The aftermath of a maritime injury is difficult enough without having to take on huge insurance companies by yourself. Speak to a knowledgeable maritime attorney regarding your legal options. Having an expert maritime injury lawyer on your side can make all the difference in obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve after being injured at sea.
