Being injured while working in the maritime industry or as a passenger on a vessel like a cruise liner or yacht can entitle you to compensation. However, recovering that compensation can require you to navigate the complex legal environment of maritime law. The Los Angeles maritime attorneys at Brais Law assist clients by handling everything from gathering evidence to drafting and timely filing a claim or lawsuit and negotiating the best possible outcome given the unique facts of your situation.
Injured Maritime Workers Must Often Rely on Federal Law
If you have been injured while working in the maritime industry, you will generally be protected under federal law, particularly the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or LHWCA.
The LHWCA is a federal law that applies to on-the-job injuries that happen:
- On the navigable waters of the US
- In adjoining areas, such as those customarily used for the unloading, loading, repairing, and building of vessels
The compensation guaranteed to injured maritime workers under the LHWCA includes the following:
- Compensation to replace lost income
- Medical care
- Vocational rehabilitation services
If you have been injured on a vessel as a passenger, the way in which you will pursue compensation for your injuries is entirely different and best completed with the assistance of a Los Angeles maritime attorney. Local laws may apply to your case, as well as maritime laws that are international in nature. When you are a passenger, your ability to file and even negotiate a claim in court may also be limited by the ticket contract to which you agreed. An experienced maritime attorney will review the facts to determine what the options and deadlines are in relation to your case.
Cruise Passengers Injured Abroad While on L.A.-Based Cruise Lines Will File in Federal Court
To recover compensation for your injuries while a passenger in international waters on a cruise line headquartered in Los Angeles or that departed from the Port of Los Angeles, you’ll generally need to file in Federal Court. These courts are governed by the Rules of Federal Procedure that even law students rarely are capable of mastering, which further highlights the importance of working with a Los Angeles maritime attorney with experience and a proven track record of success.
Schedule Your Risk-Free, Cost-Free Case Review to Learn About Your Options
Injured while working in the maritime industry or as a passenger or guest on or around the waters of Los Angeles? You could have a claim for the costs and damages that you can prove with evidence linked to your injuries.
To learn how the Los Angeles maritime attorneys at Brais Law can put their 70+ years of combined trial experience to work on your behalf, reach out to us over the phone at 800-499-0551, or visit our site to schedule your free consultation.
