Losing a loved one in a maritime accident is devastating, and the legal process that follows can be especially confusing. Unlike many wrongful death cases that are governed by state law, fatalities that occur far from the U.S. shoreline may fall under a federal law known as the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). …
Who’s Legally Responsible When You’re Injured Aboard a Ship? A Captain’s Duties Explained
An injury aboard a ship can raise legal questions that don’t arise in ordinary personal injury cases. Whether the incident occurs on a commercial vessel, offshore support ship, cargo vessel, fishing boat, or another maritime vessel, determining who is legally responsible often requires looking beyond the immediate cause of the accident. While a ship’s captain …
Maritime Law: Captain Authority and Ship Captains’ Rights and Responsibilities
Understanding Ship Captain Authority in St. Mary Parish Maritime work drives much of South Louisiana’s economy, especially in St. Mary Parish. As a maritime attorney serving this region, I regularly answer questions about the legal authority ship captains hold—and the responsibilities that come with it. This guide explains how maritime law defines a captain’s authority, …
What’s the Difference Between Jones Act Claims and Regular Workers’ Compensation?
Jones Act vs. Workers’ Compensation for Louisiana Maritime Workers If you work on a vessel in Louisiana’s maritime industry, you face serious risks every day. Offshore oil rigs, commercial fishing boats, and tugboats on the Mississippi River all present dangerous working conditions. Maritime jobs demand skill, endurance, and constant awareness. When an injury happens, the …
Offshore to Onshore – a 4-Part Series on Offshore & Maritime Injury Law
Maritime and offshore injury cases present some of the most complex legal challenges in personal injury law. These cases often drag on in court for years and demand a dedicated, highly experienced legal team to secure successful outcomes. If you suffer an injury offshore or at sea, it’s crucial to understand your rights and take …
Ship Captains’ Rights and Responsibilities Under Maritime Law
Legal and Moral Responsibilities of Ship Captains While U.S. maritime law may allow a captain to disembark before the last crew member in certain situations, the legal and moral expectations remain high. Captains often face: Moral responsibility to remain until passengers and crew are safe Potential criminal liability if they abandon their duties Civil liability …
Maritime Accidents in Louisiana: A Comprehensive Guide
Common Maritime Accidents and How a Maritime Attorney Can Help Maritime accidents remain a serious concern across Louisiana. As a St. Mary Parish maritime attorney, I often speak with injured workers who have questions about how these accidents happen and what legal options they have afterward. This guide explains the most common maritime accidents, why …