Long Island Maritime Injury Lawyer

Thousands of people work on boats, on, or near the water in Long Island. While marine industries such as commercial fishing, shipbuilding, port operations, and more are major contributors to the local economy, the jobs these industries provide are not without risks, including the risk of getting injured. If you were injured as a maritime worker, the process of receiving benefits under maritime law, including the Jones Act, differs dramatically from the workers’ comp process used by other types of workers injured while on the job. An experienced Long Island maritime injury lawyer could help you understand the claims process and tell you about the services the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Goldstein & Bashner can provide.

What Qualifies as a Maritime Injury?

In Long Island, a maritime injury refers to harm sustained by a worker on or near navigable waters or aboard a vessel. The injury must result from negligence by the vessel’s owner, operator, or crew, an equipment failure, or an unseaworthy vessel. Maritime law—a set of federal statutes—protects the rights of seamen and other maritime workers involved in this type of work. In certain situations, passengers harmed due to negligence may also receive protection under these laws.

Common types of maritime injuries include burns, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, traumatic limb amputations, eye injuries, and hearing loss. Maritime workers also commonly suffer repetitive use injuries, which may be covered through the same claims process.

The Maritime Injury Claims Process

Maritime workers injured in Long Island must report the incident to their supervisor or employer as soon as possible and submit a written accident report. If the injury occurs aboard a vessel, the incident should be documented in the ship’s log and may also need to be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The injured worker should also seek medical treatment immediately for their injury, making sure to inform their health care provider that the injury occurred at work.

It is also important for the injured worker to contact an experienced Long Island maritime injury attorney who could help them determine the laws that may apply to the case and potential resources for compensation.

How a Long Island Maritime Injury Lawyer Could Help

In addition to offering guidance on the claims process and relevant laws, a maritime lawyer could assess the most appropriate way to file a claim in Long Island. If the case falls under the Jones Act, the injured worker may file a lawsuit against the employer. Claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act are submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor.

A lawyer could file the claim on behalf of the worker and attempt to negotiate a settlement that fairly compensates the claim. They may even represent the worker in court. Throughout the process, they continue to provide answers to legal questions the worker has. After the case, they may assist the worker in obtaining compensation that was awarded for the costs and impacts of their injury.

Contact a Long Island Maritime Injury Lawyer from Goldstein & Bashner Today

When a workplace accident occurs involving a maritime worker, the laws that provide protections and rights for that worker can be complex. Let our Long Island maritime injury lawyer help you make sense of your legal options for seeking the compensation you need. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.