Public Vessels Act Lawyer

Originally, the United States government enjoyed complete sovereign immunity from suits in admiralty for damages caused by public vessels. Current admiralty law waives government immunity through the Suits in Admiralty Act (SAA) and the Public Vessels Act (PVA). Currently, conflict exists regarding which statute governs which maritime claims. The SAA provides an in personam cause of action for private parties to recover damages (including those caused by public vessels) where a claim would have arisen had the vessel been privately-owned. The PVA, on the other hand, is aimed specifically at providing a right of action for damages caused by public vessels.

If you are injured aboard a United States-owned or operated vessel, your case will fall under the Suits in Admiralty Act (SAA) or the Public Vessel Act (PVA). All injury lawsuits under the Suits in Admiralty Act or the Public Vessel Act must be filed in the United States Federal District Courts. Our firm has filed thousands of cases within this section of the court system. Most Suits in Admiralty Act lawsuits can be filed in the Federal District where the injured Seaman resides.

The Public Vessels Act is a federal maritime law which allows legal action against the United States for damages caused by a public vessel of the United States. A public vessel is any vessel owned by or operating on behalf of the United States. PVA allows civilian seamen serving in government jobs to bring suit against the United States in cases of injuries suffered while at sea during the performance of work.

The PVA only applies in cases of injury occurring while employed by the government or on board a government-owned or government-operated vessel. Seamen injured while in civilian employ or while serving aboard commercial vessels are covered by other provisions of the law such as the Jones Act. Both PVA claims and Suits in Admiralty by or against vessels or cargoes of the United States have time constraints, so if you think you may qualify to file a lawsuit, contact our experienced maritime legal team as soon as possible with your questions.

If you have been injured during working hours while aboard a ship owned by or operated on behalf of the government, you may have grounds for compensation. Contact the experienced Public Vessels Act Lawyers of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. to find out about how to pursue your claim and obtain the recompense you deserve by email at info@smslegal.com or by phone at (800) 836-5830.