Brentwood Maritime Injury Attorneys
If you are a maritime worker who has been seriously injured on the job, call Biren Law Group for a free consultation.
Cases We Have Handled in the Past:
- Robin Mraz v. Catalina Express: a cabin attendant for Catalina Express was awarded more than $1 million after suffering a back injury on two occasions.
- Brownstein v. Seacrest: our client was awarded more than $1 million after he was struck by a boat. He had been driving a jet ski at the time of the accident.
Navigating Los Angeles Maritime Injuries: The Importance of Understanding Our Local Waters
Los Angeles boasts one of the world’s most dynamic maritime environments, centered around the bustling Port of Los Angeles. This hub, along with our extensive coastline, supports a diverse range of activities, from commercial shipping and fishing to recreational boating and cruise line operations. This thriving industry, while vital to our economy, also presents unique risks. At Biren Law Group, we understand the specific challenges faced by those working and recreating in Los Angeles’s maritime sector.
Whether you’re a longshoreman handling cargo at the port, a commercial fisherman navigating the Pacific, or a recreational boater enjoying our coastal waters, you deserve legal representation that understands the local landscape. We’re familiar with the intricacies of the Port of Los Angeles, the patterns of local commercial fishing, and the popular recreational boating areas. This local focus allows us to provide more effective and targeted legal support. We are aware of the increased risks that come with the large amounts of cargo being processed daily at the port, and the risks that cruise ship passengers face when departing from the Los Angeles cruise ship terminals.
Understanding the unique risks of the Los Angeles maritime industry, allows us to better serve those who are injured within it.
Understanding Maritime Law in Los Angeles
Maritime law can be complex, involving both federal and state regulations. In Los Angeles, cases often fall under the Jones Act, or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
What is the Jones Act?
The maritime industry is instrumental to our country’s commerce; however, this work can be incredibly dangerous. In an effort to protect maritime workers and ensure that commerce is not interrupted, Congress passed the Jones Act. The Jones Act allows “seamen” who are injured on the job to sue their employers for negligence, including the unseaworthy condition of boats or vessels.
Am I Covered by the Jones Act?
The Jones Act was designed to protect maritime workers who are exposed to dangerous conditions on the job. This means that you would be covered by this law if you were injured while working in the service of a vessel.
However, you must also be able to show that the vessel owner, vessel operator, or a crew member’s negligence contributed to the injury, or that an unsafe condition contributed to the cause of your accident.
To file a claim under the Jones Act, you must also qualify as a seaman. According to the United States Supreme Court, you would only qualify as a seaman if:
- You were assigned to a vessel, or fleet of vessels, that was in operation
- Your duties contributed to the vessel’s function or mission
- Your connection to the vessel was substantial in time and nature
What is the LHWCA?
The LHWCA provides compensation for maritime workers who are injured on navigable waters of the United States, or adjoining areas. It is important to know which act protects your rights. This Act covers dockworkers and other shoreside maritime employees.
Not only is it important to know which act protects your rights, but it’s also crucial to understand the distinction between federal and state jurisdiction. Accidents occurring on navigable waters typically fall under federal maritime law, while those on land may be subject to California state law. Our firm has extensive experience navigating these legal complexities, ensuring your rights are protected regardless of jurisdiction.
We will help you determine which laws apply to your specific situation, and we will work hard to make sure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Common Maritime Injuries in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles’s busy maritime environment, injuries can range from common slips and falls to severe accidents involving heavy machinery.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Cargo handling injuries: Strains, sprains, and crush injuries.
- Equipment malfunctions: Injuries caused by faulty cranes, winches, or other equipment.
- Slips and falls: Due to wet or uneven surfaces on decks and docks.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: Chemical burns and respiratory problems.
- Boating accidents: Collisions, and injuries caused by wakes.
These injuries often result from negligence, inadequate safety measures, or improper training. We understand the specific risks present in the maritime industry and are prepared to investigate the causes of your injury.
The Importance of Timely Medical Treatment and Documentation
Following a maritime injury, seeking immediate medical attention is essential for both your health and your legal claim. Thorough medical documentation is crucial for establishing the extent of your injuries and proving damages.
Be sure to:
- Seek prompt medical care: Don’t delay treatment, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses.
- Follow your doctor’s advice: Adhere to your treatment plan to ensure proper recovery.
These records are vital for demonstrating the impact of your injuries and securing fair compensation. We can help you understand the importance of proper medical documentation, and how it will impact your case.
How Our Maritime Injury Lawyers Can Help
Pursuing a maritime injury claim can seem daunting, but we’re here to guide you through every step:
- Initial consultation: We’ll discuss your case and explain your legal options.
- Evidence gathering: We’ll collect medical records, witness statements, and other crucial evidence.
- Claim filing: We’ll file your claim and negotiate with insurance companies.
- Litigation: If necessary, we’ll represent you in court to pursue maximum compensation.
It is very important to act quickly because maritime injury claims have statutes of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations for a maritime accident lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident.
We will walk you through each step of the process and will be available to answer any questions that you may have.
Damages You May Be Eligible to Recover
If you can establish that your employer is liable, they will be responsible for all of the damages and losses you have suffered as a result of the accident.
This may include compensation for pain and suffering, disfigurement, and mental anguish, as well as economic losses like wage loss. This may also include the loss of fringe benefits from your time out of the workforce and compensation for future medical expenses.
Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
Whether you are a maritime worker who was injured on the job or you were involved in a serious accident, our maritime accident attorneys in Los Angeles have the experience and skills you need to get results. Over the years, our team has helped thousands of clients secure the financial compensation they deserve, totaling more than half a billion dollars in successful verdicts and outcomes.
Contact our office today at (310) 774-0078 to see how we can assist you.
