If you suffered injuries in an accident while at sea, you understand the aftermath of the incident can be quite complicated. In a normal personal injury case, your ability to seek compensation through a civil claim depends on factors such as identifying cause, establishing liability and even certain Washington laws. However, admiralty law applies to many cases at sea, and it can be difficult to understand the legal concepts that may apply to your specific injury case.
Admiralty law is also known as maritime law, and it is the specific legal area that applies to injuries, offenses, torts and contracts that take place on navigable waters. Traditionally, this included issues at sea or while on the ocean, but it also includes issues that take place on lakes and rivers as well. Admiralty law will likely apply in cases that involve two or more ships, rights of the crew, the captain’s obligations to those onboard the ship and more.
Admiralty law and your maritime accident
Perhaps you suffered an injury while you were a passenger on a boat, or maybe you suffered an injury as you were working as a crew member on a ship. Regardless of how your accident happened, admiralty and maritime law could impact how you can seek recovery and what party is liable for what happened to you. Some of the most common reasons for cases that involve this specific area of law include:
- Collisions between boats
- Maritime disasters, including sinking of the ship
- Falling from a height while on a boat
- Mechanical accidents
- Chemical or toxic exposure incidents
- Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents
- Falls or drowning
These are only a few examples of the reasons why there may be valid grounds to pursue an injury claim after an incident at sea or on a boat. As this area of law is complex, and it may be difficult to understand the specific legal options available to you, it may be helpful to pursue an assessment of your case.
Your recovery starts now
After a maritime accident, your quick action is important. If you believe another party is responsible for what you experienced, you may have grounds to pursue an injury claim according to certain admiralty laws and maritime principles. However, a fast response to discover your options and pursue the best route may have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.