Richmond Maritime Lawyers

The capital city of Virginia, Richmond, has traditionally been a hub for maritime activity. The Port of Richmond, located on the James River, serves many shippers in the mid-Atlantic region. Though maritime employment pays the bills for many residents of Richmond, VA, it’s always been a dangerous line of work. Serious accidents happen frequently, sometimes with lasting effects on the victims.

For people who have suffered an on-the-job accident, help is available. The law provides multiple avenues for injured seamen to collect compensation from an employer. The maritime accident lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., have years of experience with Jones Act claims, offshore accidents, and related legal matters. Our maritime personal injury lawyers serve clients in Richmond, VA as well as the rest of the U.S.

Injuries in Maritime Environments

Maritime workers have to deal with a number of threats to their safety on a daily basis. Heavy equipment, unstable walking surfaces, failing objects, and hazardous chemicals are only a few of the more common workplace hazards. That’s why maritime injuries are quite varied. The most common types our maritime injury lawyers see include the following:

• Back/Spinal cord injuries
• Compartment Syndrome
• Pleural (lung) disorders
• Skin burns
• Limb amputation
• Head injuries/Brain damage
• Hypothermia/Frostbite
• Tug, Barge and Dredge Injuries

If you have suffered any kind of job-related injury, please contact our admiralty lawyers as soon as you can.

Maintenance and Cure: What Is It?

Maritime law has traditionally allowed injured seamen to collect a basic level of compensation known as maintenance and cure, which actually includes two distinct types of payouts. Maintenance is intended to pay for the injured party’s living expenses while recuperating. Cure is compensation for medical bills and expenses. This compensation is offered to seamen regardless of their degree of responsibility for their injuries.

Some employers try to get away with paying less maintenance and cure than the recipient is entitled to get. When that happens, you need a maritime accident lawyer on your side who will fight for you. Our nationwide maritime lawyers are available to clients in Richmond, VA.

Other Kinds of Maritime Compensation

If you have been harmed at work due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to further compensation. At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., our Jones Act lawyers have helped many individuals obtain compensation for injury or illness linked to their employment conditions.