Maritime injuries can occur in a variety of circumstances. They may happen to a maritime worker, a passenger on a ferry, or a cruise ship. Regardless of the situation, they are governed by maritime law, which can differ from local jurisdictions. A Covington maritime injury lawyer may be able to help maximize the compensation you recover.
Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers provides over thirty years of combined experience supporting injury victims across the state. Our Covington personal injury lawyer is here to help you recover the compensation you need to get back to your life after someone else’s negligence left you suffering.
Understanding Maritime Law
Maritime law covers what happens in open waters. It is sometimes referred to as admiralty law, and the American Public University defines it as a branch of law that governs all aspects of the sea. Maritime injury cases often cover injuries that happen to:
- A maritime employee
- A passenger on a cruise ship or ferry
- Some dock and harbor workers
One of the primary purposes of maritime law is to resolve jurisdictional disputes. While Article III of the Constitution grants federal courts jurisdiction over maritime cases, making it part of their standard practice, it is so complex that many firms, like ours, make it a focal point of their practice.
Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
Know Your RightsOur expert premises liability lawyers will help you hold negligent property owners accountable.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
504-500-1111Know When to Hire a Covington Maritime Injury Lawyer
No one wants to be seen as greedy or ‘sue happy,’ which may make you hesitate to call an attorney immediately. So, how do you know when to hire a maritime injury lawyer? Truthfully, the answer to that is when you have been seriously injured in a maritime accident.
Simply calling for a consultation does not mean you have to file a lawsuit, but it can help you understand your options and may even keep you from accidentally damaging your case by saying or doing the wrong thing. When you face a situation like this, the other party will often have an attorney. Contacting one for you just keeps the playing field balanced.
The insurance companies that handle liability claims primarily aim to reduce their payouts. This is often done by digging for opportunities to instill doubt in the validity of your claims. An experienced Covington maritime injury attorney can help you navigate these barriers and keep the integrity of your claim intact.
Steps You Can Take to Support Your Maritime Injury Case
When it comes to supporting your case, you can trust that the team at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers will handle gathering evidence and managing the legal process. However, this does not mean you are powerless in the situation.
Documentation
Keep a meticulous record of what happened. This can include photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and contact information for witnesses. If the police responded, this includes collecting the responding officer’s name and the case or incident number.
Seek Medical Evaluation
An attorney may encourage you to see a medical provider immediately following an accident or injury. This can help you identify injuries that are hidden or may be delayed in onset. The exam also provides further documentation of your injuries immediately following the accident, which may help support the connection between the accident and injury.
Avoid Social Media
Additionally, a maritime injury attorney in Covington may advise you to avoid posting much on social media. The insurance company is likely to check any of your public accounts. While you may know that you stayed on the couch for that family get-together, it may hurt your case if they can paint a different picture of you going out and enjoying events.
Communicate
A Covington maritime accident lawyer may caution you against discussing your case with others. However, you can support your case by being responsive and communicative with your attorney when they have questions or need approval, signatures, or documents from you.
Harmed by a Dangerous Defective Product?
We’re Here for YouOur experienced product liability attorneys will fight to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation
504-500-1111Common Injuries You May Have from a Maritime Accident
Because of the broad definition of ‘maritime,’ numerous injuries and accidents fall under that umbrella. No two injuries are the same, and we believe that each case deserves a unique approach, but some of the more common injuries we see in the cases we handle include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
Many of these accidents have lasting consequences, whether they involve disfiguring, scarring, or long-term and permanent disability. You already have to face the physical repercussions of the injuries, but you can take action to hold responsible parties accountable to minimize the financial impact.
Slip and Fall Accident?
Get the Legal Support You NeedOur dedicated slip and fall attorneys will help you navigate the legal process and claim the compensation you deserve.
Speak to a Lawyer Today
504-500-1111Compensation Available to You as a Maritime Injury Victim
Most personal injury claims are born of a desire for accountability and financial compensation for your losses. Medical care is expensive, and depending on the severity of your injuries, it can be dramatically more costly if you are in open water when the injury happens. The damages you request are unique to your case, but may consist of:
- Medical bills
- Transportation and travel expenses to appointments
- Prescription costs
- Lost wages from time off work
- Loss of earning potential if you can no longer work in your field
- Pain and suffering
Additionally, if your loved one was killed as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation. This may be granted through the Death on the High Seas Act, which provides recourse for the families of victims who die while on a vessel.
Call a Maritime Injury Lawyer in Covington Today to Get the Support You Need
At Scott Vicknair Injury Law, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality services to our clients. We aim to alleviate your stress by handling the legalities, consulting with you when necessary, and allowing you to focus on recovery. Our Maritime injury lawyer in Covington is committed to ensuring each client leaves feeling supported.
We offer free case consultations to discuss the details of your case and determine the most appropriate legal options. We also work on contingency, which means you will not see fees until we win your case, whether through a settlement agreement or a favorable verdict from the judge. Managing a maritime law case can be incredibly complex, and you do not have to go through it alone. Call us today.