Portsmouth Maritime Injury Lawyers
The maritime injury lawyers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire help victims who have been hurt in maritime accidents. Portsmouth is home to a thriving maritime industry which includes shipping, logistics, and freight. Portsmouth boasts two major shipping terminals: Portsmouth Marine Terminals and Virginia International Gateway. It is also home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Portsmouth also boasts excellent recreational boating opportunities, boat tours, and more.
Workers in the maritime industry can suffer serious workplace accidents on the job when companies fail to address workplace safety issues. Independence Law New Hampshire is a maritime injury law firm in Portsmouth, New Hampshire that helps victims and families seek compensation after being injured on the job in the maritime industry. If you or someone you love was hurt in a maritime accident, the Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jones Act attorneys at Independence Law New Hampshire may be able to help you.
Our lawyers also help individuals who have been hurt in recreational boating accidents. Boater negligence or neglect, drinking and boating, inexperience, improper maintenance, speeding, and navigation issues can all lead to boating accidents. These accidents can leave victims disabled, unable to return to work, and in some cases, can result in fatalities.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a maritime accident in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, reach out to the maritime injury lawyers at Independence Law New Hampshire. Our Portsmouth, New Hampshire maritime injury attorneys can review your case, and offer guidance on the next steps.
What is the Difference Between the Jones Act and Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is state-run insurance that covers workers who have been injured on the job. The Jones Act, or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, protects seamen and maritime workers who have been hurt on the job, while working on a ship or in connection to the maritime industry. If you have been injured in a maritime accident, you won’t have a choice whether to pursue a claim under workers’ compensation or the Jones Act. The law will dictate which protections you will be provided under the law. If you have been injured while working in the maritime industry, you might want to reach out to a maritime injury attorney in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at Independence Law New Hampshire to explore your options. Our Jones Act lawyers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire can help you navigate the claims process if you are covered under the Jones Act.
Under the Jones Act, you may have protections that are like workers’ compensation, with a few notable differences. For example, under the Jones Act your employer might be required to pay to cover your cost of living on land while you recover from your injuries. Like workers’ compensation, your employer may be required to cover your medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. If you have been hurt and are unable to return to work, your employer may also be required to pay your unearned wages for the remainder of what would have been your time at sea.
Maritime employers may hold Jones Act insurance which would cover employers for the costs of living on land, medical bills, and lost wages. If your employer is covered under this kind of insurance, you might find yourself having to make a Jones Act insurance claim. If your claim is denied or if you believe your claim has been underpaid or delayed, you may want to speak to the Jones Act lawyers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at Independence Law New Hampshire.
One notable difference between the Jones Act and workers’ compensation is the right to pursue a lawsuit against an employer for negligence. When a person makes a workers’ compensation claim, they generally forfeit their right to sue their employer. Under the Jones Act, workers have the right to sue employers for negligence if employer negligence resulted in their injuries. The Jones Act attorneys in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at Independence Law New Hampshire can help you determine whether you might want to pursue a lawsuit. If you were hurt due to your employers’ neglect, you might have the right to seek damages for future lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you work on a ship or at sea, you are likely covered under the Jones Act. Workers’ compensation covers workers who are employed on land. The Jones Act covers workers known as seamen. If you work on the dock, are a shipbuilder, or are not considered a seaman, then workers’ compensation would likely apply to your claim. Not sure if you are covered under the Jones Act or workers’ compensation? Reach out to the Jones Act attorneys in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Our maritime injury attorneys are here to help you find a path forward.
What Can I Do If I’ve Been Injured on a Recreational Boat?
If you’ve been injured on a recreational boat in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, you have rights. Individuals who have been hurt due to other boaters’ negligence or neglect, or due to operator negligence, or due to mechanical failure because of lack of maintenance, may have the right to pursue a claim under the law. You and your family might be entitled to seek damages for medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Yet, you may only have a limited time to make a claim under the law. Reach out to the maritime injury lawyers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at Independence Law New Hampshire today to learn more about your rights and the next steps. Individuals who have been hurt in boating accidents have similar rights to those hurt in car or automobile accidents. Individuals who act carelessly or recklessly while operating a boat may have a responsibility to pay for damages when accidents happen. Don’t delay. Reach out to the maritime injury attorneys in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at Independence Law New Hampshire today.