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What Is General Maritime Law?

While the Jones Act provides the remedies for the injured crew of a vessel, the general maritime law is the body of law that interprets how the Jones Act gets applied to each case. The importance of this area of the law cannot be overstated and a mastery of it is required to adequately and successfully represent an injured offshore worker. This law is court-made common law as it applies to the maritime context and in maritime cases.

General maritime law also provides additional rights and damages to seamen outside the Jones Act, and provides a basis for claims by family members of deceased maritime workers. General maritime law further provides compensation for non-seamen injured in a maritime setting or while involved in maritime activities. Basically general maritime law encompasses the common law remedies available for maritime related incidents.

General maritime law interprets how damages can be assessed, what constitutes contributory negligence.

Generally, speaking, the statute of limitations controlling general maritime claims is three years; but, certain circumstances (such as the location of the accident) can shorten your statute of limitations. This is one of the many reasons why it is so important to contact a knowledgeable admiralty and maritime lawyer about your injuries.

Some noteworthy general maritime law aspects involve claims for maintenance and cure, unearned wages, and unseaworthiness of a vessel. General maritime law permits strict liability for product liability claims. It also provides causes of action for wrongful death and negligence for non-seamen injured on navigable waterways. General maritime claims include claims of Jones Act seamen and longshoremen against any responsible third party for negligence causing or contributing to injury or death.

If you have been injured while aboard a vessel either as a crewmember, sub-contractor, or passenger involved in maritime activity, contact the experienced General Maritime Law Attorneys of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. to discuss your claim and learn about your legal rights by email at info@smslegal.com or by phone at (800) 836-5830.

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Case Results

$17,500,000

in Jones Act Deckhand Case

$2,500,000

Recovered in Jones Act Case

$1,600,000

Recovered for Offshore Workers

$1,100,000

Recovered for Worker Injured on Dock

Testimonials

Nadia Amaraz:


“She is such a wonderful caring person and attorney. I had the privilege of having Cynthia Huerta as an attorney and Katie Granger as her assistant in my automobile case. I am very pleased with the services they provided and admire their professional excellence. Cynthia and Katie I want to extend a heart-felt thank you for you commitment for making my case successful.”

John Rodriguez:


“Mr. Shaffer was great, he handled my maritime case fast and effectively. They ensured I received the medical treatment and care that I needed and his team always made me feel at ease. I would hands down recomend Mr. Shaffer and his team to anyone looking for a trustworthy lawyer, this is a man to trust to get the job done.”

J.A. Flores:


“Mr. Harris and his staff did an amazing job! They worked tirelessly to help us get the fairest settlement possible. We are so grateful and appreciative for all they did for us. I cannot recommend them highly enough! They are great!”

Alicia Tate:


“Mr. Harris did a phenomenal job handling my car accident case. He went above & beyond for me. Mr. Harris dealt with my case swiftly. He was always available to take my calls or he returned them promptly. His staff was friendly and always very helpful. Mr. Harris put my mind at ease many times. He kept me in the loop and up to date on what was happening with my case.I reccomemd this law firm to anyone involved in any type of accident.”

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