Georgia has major seaports in Savannah and Brunswick. The Port of Savanah is one of the busiest ports in the United States. Thousands of workers are employed in industries related to maritime industries.
Workers in the maritime industry have demanding and dangerous jobs. Unfortunately, many workers are injured in job-related accidents. If you or a family member was injured in a maritime accident, we can help.
Attorney J. Michael Parsons has over 27 years of experience handling maritime accident claims. His prior experience representing insurance companies and employers gives him a unique knowledge of how claims are handled. He uses his insider knowledge to fight for the rights of injured maritime workers.
Contact Parsons Law Group to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Savannah maritime accident lawyer.
How Our Savannah Maritime Accident Lawyers Can Help You Seek Compensation for a Claim
Maritime accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths. These types of injury claims are complex, involving complicated federal and state laws governing maritime activities. Without an attorney experienced in this area of injury law, you might not receive the compensation you deserve and need.
At Parsons Law Group, our Savannah maritime accident lawyers have decades of experience handling maritime injury claims. Our legal team has decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of longshoremen and harbor workers in Georgia, and we will:
- Explain maritime laws that apply in your case and your legal options for receiving compensation for injuries
- Investigate your maritime accident to determine why the accident happened
- Work with leading experts in their files as needed
- Identify all parties who may be liable for your damages and the potential sources of compensation for your claim
- Determine how much your maritime accident claim is worth
- Aggressively pursue claims and negotiate settlements
- Represent you in court and take your case to trial if necessary
We have recovered millions in judgments and settlements for our clients. Attorney Parsons is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We are dedicated to client satisfaction. Our law firm has a perfect 10.0 rating with Justia and Avvo.
Call our office now to schedule a free case evaluation with our Savannah maritime accident attorney. We are here to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Maritime Accidents in Savannah, GA
Numerous hazards and negligence can result in a maritime accident. Common reasons for maritime accidents include:
- Repetitive motion injuries from strenuous and continuous tasks
- Slips, trips, and falls because of unsteady surfaces, slippery conditions, and debris
- Caught in between heavy equipment and/or containers
- Injuries caused by falling objects
- Unseaworthy vessels
- Electrocutions and electrical accidents
- Injuries caused by defective equipment or tools
- Lack of adequate maintenance and repairs
- Fires and explosions
- Vessel collisions
- Exposure to toxic and hazardous substances
- Lack of sleep and fatigue from working long hours
- Negligence and poor decision-making
- Reckless behavior, including horseplay and using alcohol/drugs
- Lack of training and inexperience
Maritime accidents can cause a variety of injuries, including amputations, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and crushing injuries. Maritime workers also experience vision loss, repetitive use injuries, hearing loss, and severe burns, among other injuries.
Compensation for Maritime Accidents in Savannah, GA
There are several sources of compensation and benefits for workers injured in maritime accidents. The type of claim you file depends on the circumstances of your accident. Three claims related to maritime accidents are:
The Jones Act
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (i.e., The Jones Act) gives seamen grounds to bring a negligence claim if they are injured on the job. You must be a seaman to be eligible to file a Jones Act claim. Generally, a seaman is a worker who spends 30% or more of their time working on a vessel on navigable waters.
A seaman is entitled to maintenance and cure under the Jones Act. Maintenance is your day-to-day living expenses while you cannot work. Cure is the cost of your medical treatment. If you prove that your employer was negligent, you can sue for additional compensation, including pain and suffering. Family members can file for wrongful death damages under The Jones Act.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Maritime workers who do not qualify as seamen can file a claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA applies to employees injured while working on navigable waters or in the areas adjoining navigable waters, such as areas for building, loading, and repairing vessels. Examples of workers covered by the LHWCA include:
- Longshore workers
- Harbor construction workers
- Shipbuilders, ship repairers, and shipbreakers
- Harbor railway workers
- Harbor workers
- Stevedores
An injured maritime worker can receive several benefits under the LHWCA, including medical care, disability payments, and rehabilitation services. Family members may receive wrongful death benefits if their loved one is killed on the job. As a form of workers’ compensation, the LHWCA does not compensate a maritime worker for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Third-Party Lawsuits for Maritime Accidents
Sometimes, a maritime worker is injured in an accident caused by a third party. For example, an independent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or maintenance company may negligently cause a worker to be injured. In these cases, the injured worker may have a third-party claim under Georgia personal injury laws. If so, the worker might be entitled to additional compensation, in addition to benefits available under The Jones Act or the LHWCA.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Maritime Accident in Savannah, GA?
If you are injured on the job in a maritime accident, taking steps to protect your legal rights is essential. Steps to take after a maritime accident in Georgia include:
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries. Workers on docks can call 911 to request emergency medical services. Seamen may receive treatment on the vessel until they can get to shore.
- Notify your employer of your injuries immediately. Seamen have just seven days to report an accident to their employer. Harbor workers and longshoremen have up to 30 days, but it is best to report the accident immediately.
- Document the accident and your injuries by taking photographs of the accident scene, seeking medical treatment, and asking witnesses for their contact information.
- Avoid discussing the accident and your injuries without legal advice. Signing documents or providing statements is not in your best interest until you talk with an attorney.
As soon as possible, contact a Savannah maritime accident lawyer for advice. An experienced maritime injury attorney fights to protect your rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Savannah Maritime Accident Attorney
Were you injured in a maritime accident in Georgia? If so, our Savannah maritime accident lawyer at Parsons Law Group can help. Call our office to schedule a free case review with an attorney to discuss your legal options.