Many water-related injury cases are unlike any other type of personal injury claim. When an accident occurs on navigable waters, on the open sea, or aboard a vessel owned or operated by a foreign entity, the rules that govern your case may shift from traditional state negligence laws to maritime and admiralty law. These formats of law are complex, evolving, and may determine where your claim can be filed, what damages you may recover, and how liability is evaluated.
At Baker Legal Team, we have built our reputation on understanding the complexities of maritime and admiralty laws that form the foundation of much of our practice. Our extensive experience in these areas allows us to handle cases that many firms are not equipped to take on. With more than $400 million secured for clients in water-related cases, and with leadership from Attorney Robert Baker, a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with more than 35 years of experience, we are prepared to protect your rights under even the most intricate maritime legal frameworks.
Have questions about how maritime law could affect your water-related injury claim? Get answers. Call 888-468-4608 to schedule a free initial case consultation.
Maritime & Admiralty Law in Injury Claims
Maritime and admiralty law govern legal disputes that arise on navigable waters, including oceans, seas, large rivers, and coastal waterways used for commerce. These types of laws typically apply to:
- Accidents that occur on the open sea or outside state territorial waters
- Injuries aboard cruise ships, commercial vessels, and foreign-flagged ships
- Offshore incidents involving oil rigs, supply boats, and work platforms
- Collisions, vessel defects, or operational failures on navigable waterways
- Injuries suffered by crew members, passengers, longshore workers, and others performing maritime work
Because many cruise lines, shipping companies, and recreational vessels are registered in foreign countries, disputes often involve international treaties, foreign corporate structures, and jurisdictional rules that differ significantly from those found in state-court personal injury cases. Understanding these regulations is necessary to prepare a claim, which is why our firm’s experience is so valuable.
How Maritime Law Can Affect Your Case
When maritime or admiralty law applies, nearly every aspect of your case may be governed by specialized rules, including:
- Where you can file your claim: Many maritime claims must be brought in federal court, though certain cases allow filing in state court under the “saving to suitors” clause. Some cruise lines also include forum-selection clauses requiring lawsuits to be filed in specific districts.
- Which deadlines apply: Statutes of limitations differ from traditional personal injury laws. For example, many cruise passenger claims must be filed within one year, not the multi-year deadlines common in state negligence cases.
- Standards of liability: Maritime law uses its own negligence standards and certain doctrines, such as unseaworthiness, maintenance and cure, and limitation of liability.
- Types of damages available: Recovery may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. However, maritime damages rules can limit or expand what you may receive depending on your classification as a passenger, seaman, or worker.
Make Us Your First Call — Reach Out Now
At Baker Legal Team, our understanding of maritime and admiralty law is extensive. We handle so many cases that involve these types of laws that they are essentially central to our entire practice. Our team has built decades of experience handling:
- Cruise ship injury and assault claims
- Jet ski, boating, and open-water accidents governed by maritime law
- Vessel collisions and navigation-rule violations
- Injuries suffered aboard foreign-registered or internationally operated vessels
- Offshore worker and maritime employee cases
We are recognized by clients, colleagues, and legal professionals nationwide for our command of maritime legal principles and our ability to manage difficult, high-stakes litigation. When your claim involves complex maritime issues, you deserve a team that understands how to protect your rights from the very first step.
If your water-related injury occurred on navigable waters or aboard a vessel governed by maritime or admiralty law, contact us right away. Schedule a free consultation by dialing 888-468-4608.