Long Island Maritime Wrongful Death Lawyer
From shipbuilding and tugboat work to fishing vessels and support services, there are many types of maritime jobs in Long Island. Unfortunately, these jobs are not without risks, including the risk of death from injuries sustained as a result of negligence, equipment failures, or maintenance issues on the vessel. When a maritime worker dies, their family members may be able to seek compensation for the financial and psychological impacts of their loss through one of several laws that protect maritime workers. An experienced Long Island maritime wrongful death lawyer from Goldstein & Bashner can help you determine which law applies to your loved one’s case and what your legal options are for filing a claim.
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What Compensation Is Available Through a Maritime Wrongful Death Claim?
Typically, the deceased worker’s spouse, children, and other financially dependent family members may qualify to pursue a maritime wrongful death claim. The compensation available depends on which maritime law governs the case. In most situations, claimants seek economic damages to address expenses the family or the deceased’s estate incurred due to the injury and death. These damages may include costs related to treating the final injuries, loss of financial support or inheritance, the value of household services the deceased previously provided, and funeral, burial, or cremation expenses.
Those filing a Long Island maritime wrongful death claim may also seek non-economic damages, which involve compensation for the psychological impacts family members experienced because of the loss, such as loss of companionship, guidance, and nurturing.
Who Is Liable When a Maritime Wrongful Death Occurs?
Depending on the law that applies to the claim, potential sources of liability can be the worker’s employer, the owner or operator of the vessel, or a third party whose negligence resulted in an accident in which the worker died. Usually, the person or entity whose actions or inaction led to the death would be liable, though employers are commonly responsible for the negligence of their workers when they are completing work-related tasks. A Long Island maritime wrongful death attorney could assess the circumstances and determine which party or parties may be held accountable under the applicable maritime laws.
Filing a Maritime Wrongful Death Claim
After the loss of a loved one while working in the maritime industry, family members are often unsure of what to do or how to begin the claims process. An experienced maritime wrongful death lawyer in Long Island has an important role to play in that process from start to finish, as they may analyze the case to determine which laws and process apply, file the claim within the statute of limitations, and negotiate with insurers and others in order to garner a fair settlement for their client. They may help family members gather evidence such as witness statements and employment records, file a lawsuit in federal court, and prepare and present the case at trial if necessary.
Speak with a Long Island Maritime Wrongful Death Lawyer from Goldstein & Bashner
Even without the emotional turmoil that accompanies the loss of a loved one due to negligence or an accident at work, filing a maritime claim is challenging. There are several laws that could potentially apply to the case, with eligibility criteria, statutory deadlines, and other matters differing based on the specific law. Having a Long Island maritime wrongful death lawyer handle the case takes the burden of the complicated process off the family members and places it with those who have the education and experience in this type of case.
Let our team explore your legal options with you. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
