Maritime Law Attorney in Los Angeles
The Joseph Farzam Law Firm has years of experience in taking on some of the most challenging and complex maritime law cases. One of our specialties is Maritime Law; our attorneys have successfully protected the rights of hundreds of plaintiffs and brought in tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Below you will find helpful information regarding maritime and admiralty claims and applicable laws on a multitude of maritime law subjects including:
- Passenger cruise ship injuries including sexual abuse and assault at high seas;
- Ship crew workplace rights;
- Longshoremen litigation;
- Sea and vessel injuries;
- Boating accidents and boating under the influence claims;
- Seamen’s claim and the Jones Act;
- Cargo damage lawsuits;
- Wrongful death – Death at High Seas Act.
What is Maritime Law – Overview of Admiralty Laws and Boating Personal Injury Laws
Maritime law is a field of law separate and often more complex than Common Law which is the bedrock of the American legal system.
Maritime law involves both domestic U.S. laws, pertaining to maritime activity and international law, establishing the governance of activities between private parties operating in international waters.
Personal Injury on Board Sea Faring Vessels – Ships Yachts Cruise Ships Passenger Liners and Cargo Ships
According to maritime law, owners of ships, captains, and their crew owe a duty of reasonable care to their passengers.
Injured passengers are able to seek recovery for their injuries should it be found that the ship crew’s negligent actions were a contributing cause to their injuries.
Ship Injury Laws: Federal Law 33 U.S.C.A Section 905(b) provides for protection for injured passengers onboard seafaring vessels.
Cruise companies are not always looking out for your best interests.
Their goal is to minimize the amount of compensation you can obtain due to their negligent acts while you were on board one of their ships.
If you have been injured on board a cruise vessel or while boarding a cruise ship it is important to look at your boarding ticket.
Boarding tickets will have declaimers that can limit or in some instances extinguish your right to recovery.
In many instances, cruise ships cut the amount of time (IE Statute of Limitations) you have to file a rightful claim for your damages.
Common injuries onboard cruise ships may include:
- Slip and Falls;
- Drowning;
- Violent Crimes – Including Sexual Assault and Rape;
- Traumatic Brain Injuries;
- Spinal Cord Injuries;
- Fatalities.
For information on Cruise Ship Accidents and Injury Claims visit our Cruise Ship Lawsuit Legal Guide here
Click on the following link for more information on the Jones Act.
Longshoreman Accident Lawsuits – San Pedro Long Beach Harbor Worker Injury Attorney
Our law firm has successfully represented injured San Pedro and Long Beach harbor workers who have suffered serious injuries at their place of work.
Under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA) (Jones Act) maritime workers including longshore workers are entitled to recovery and compensation for their injuries.
The Jones Act allows for injured workers to file personal injury claims against their employers when the negligence of the owners, captain, or other crew was a cause of their injuries.
Injured Seamen Claims – Jones Act and Recovery for Injury or Death of a Ship Crew
The Jones Act allows injured seamen the right of action to receive compensation for their injuries that were caused by the negligent actions of their employees on board Vessels.
According to the Jones Act, a vessel can include offshore drilling rigs, barges, tug boats, cruise ships, supply boats, container ships, and fishing boats.
Death on Board Vessels and the Jones Act: The Jones Act allows for relatives of the deceased victims to file a wrongful death claim.
The Jones Act states that in the case of death, “of any seaman as a result of any such personal injury the personal representative of such seaman may maintain an action for damages at law with the right of trial by jury.”
Boating Accidents and BUI – Boating Under the Influence – Injury Lawsuits
According to statistics, more than 50% of all boating injuries are due to collisions with other boats. California and maritime laws provide specific statutory criteria for boating accidents.
California Laws impose a duty on the boat operator to render assistance when they are responsible for the accident; it is the duty of the party causing the accident to provide help when they are responsible.
Boating and Alcohol use: The combination of alcohol consumption and boating can lead to deadly results. The physical and mental impairment of an individual can take place even with moderate drinking. Under state law, operating a boat while under the influence is a misdemeanor that can carry a penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The greatest risk of boating accidents is drowning; 80% of all boating accident fatalities are caused by the victim drowning in the sea.
Click here for further information on boating safety.
Our Recent Successes in providing compensation for our clients in Maritime Cases:
- Holland America – Wage and Class Action $7,000,000 settlement;
- Princes Cruise Line – $1,000,000 settlement;
- Pryanto v. M/V Amsterdam – $9,000,000 settlement (pending court approval).
Maritime Law Attorney Protecting the Rights of Injured Passengers and Employees on Board Ships
Maritime-based lawsuits can be difficult to litigate requiring expert testimony, expertise in maritime laws, and tedious expert legal representation.
The Joseph Farzam Law Firm has years of experience handling uniquely challenging litigation involving serious injuries and employment rights issues involving some of the larger shipping companies in the world.
Trusted Maritime Law Attorney Representation: Our Lawyers have handled and litigated thousands of cases and recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts against all the major insurance carriers. Our dedicated legal team deeply cares for all clients.
Your cause is our cause; to see to it that justice is served and full restitution for your injuries recovered. We have a tremendous passion for the practice of law and will zealously and vigorously litigate your case until justice is served and victory achieved.
For a Free Consultation with our Maritime and Admiralty Law Attorneys contact us at (310) 226-6890.