Filing a Maritime Lawsuit

The work environment of a maritime worker is unlike any other profession. These workers spend hours, days, even months on their job off the coast. They sleep, eat and work on the same vessel day after day. They could be working on a job that requires using heavy machinery or physical strength with little opportunity for breaks. Work shifts could last eight hours or even up to twelve hours. While on a vessel, recreational facilities are limited and thus, workers prefer simply working through the day as opposed to not working and struggling to pass the time. The working conditions for a seaman can become very dangerous very quickly considering all these factors and many others. An employer has an obligation to provide the safest working conditions possible. In addition, the ship owner is responsible for ensuring the ship is "seaworthy," neither of which always occur. As a result, workers can be badly injured.

If you have been injured, do not wait to get the medical attention you require. Your first priority should be to get healthy or begin the road to recovery. Second is to consider legally what compensation you may be able to pursue. If it is possible that the employer or ship owner's negligence is what caused your injury, you have maritime law to protect you. You need to consult with a maritime lawyer to better understand what your legal rights are.

Choosing a Maritime Lawyer

If you have never worked with an attorney, it may sound difficult to do so. There are many very qualified maritime lawyers available, so how do you choose? The first step in determining which maritime lawyer is good for you would be to discuss your specific situation with the attorney and see what feedback the attorney provides. At Williams Kherkher we offer a free consultation. We also want to have an initial meeting with you to determine what legal avenues you have available.

To prepare for your initial consultation, we suggest the following:

• Document your injury and medical treatment you have received and have scheduled
• Obtain documentation of any incident or accident report you may have completed
• Document any events you think may have caused the injury
• Document any witnesses that were present including their contact information

Contact a maritime lawyer at Williams Kherkher today to understand what your next best step could be. We are available to schedule your free initial consultation as well. Contact us today.