When thinking of the high seas in olden times, pirates often come to mind. While many believe that piracy is something of a legend, it is still a problem today. Modern-day piracy attacks are a common occurrence, involving robbery and sometimes violence. Seamen can quickly sustain offshore injuries when a piracy attack occurs, even becoming a hostage.
Maritime piracy is a real threat, and because of the attacks taking place offshore, companies that operate in the marine industry create plans to counter an attack. Methods can include security onboard a vessel, test exercises to check reaction times during an attack, or other measures of prevention. If you are an employee of a vessel that travels within foreign waters, it is essential to know your rights, especially if you are involved in a maritime piracy attack and injured. At Cueria Law Firm, we are familiar with maritime law and can help you file a claim for compensation if you are involved in an attack by pirates.
As with any employment, some areas that you travel to will be more dangerous than others. When you work in the maritime industry, it is vital to be aware of the more hazardous areas. Sea captains and ship owners have to know where offshore workers could be subject to a piracy attack and take appropriate measures.
Take Somalia, for instance. Somalia is a dangerous area for offshore workers to be employed. Many violent assaults take place in this area. Because of the danger, ship owners are to take care of providing safeguards for such attacks. The employer must warn you of the risk that you may face when traveling on foreign waters. If your employer does not provide you with the information and you sustain an injury due to an attack, you may have a claim for compensation.
Maritime Piracy Attack Threats
Because of maritime piracy attack threats, many employers are taking action and providing specialized training for employees in case an attack was to occur. Vessel workers learn what to do in case of an attack and complete drills so that they will react faster in these situations. You should be aware of defense training if you are working in dangerous areas. If you are not aware, speak to your employer. They are responsible for your safety while out on the open seas and must provide proper training and information on the possibility of such attacks.
Understanding Maritime Piracy
So, what is maritime piracy exactly? A maritime piracy attack will occur overseas, and seamen from America can be confused as to how compensation can be gained due to injury when an attack takes place within international waterways. With the help of our attorneys, you will be able to complete the filing of an injury case based on the right maritime laws. This attention to detail will help to increase the amount of compensation you receive. At Cueria Law Firm, we specialize in Louisiana injury cases, personal injury accidents offshore, and more. We have experience and knowledge in dealing with maritime law, easily able to assist you with case needs in New Orleans and beyond.
Ship Owners/Employers and Piracy
A shipowner or employer must take great care to prevent or deter a piracy attack from taking place within their vessel. If you feel that the shipowner or your employer ignored safety measures, and this put you at risk of a piracy attack, don’t try to fight your case alone. Work with our experienced attorneys so your case can be handled correctly from the very beginning. We provide you with the legal expertise to face those who were negligent, which led to a pirate attack.