Maritime Lawyers

Statutes of Limitations on Maritime Claims

When you are injured while at sea, you should be aware that there is a time limit placed on how long you have to file an injury claim. The statute of limitations is a deadline and once that deadline has passed, your claim will not be brought to court. This legal deadline is final so filing your claim before this statue of limitations runs out is the only way to seek legal justice for your injuries.

Knowing the statute of limitations for your specific claim is incredibly important and often times it will depend on the nature of your case. For examples, maritime cases against cruise lines must be filed by the date that is usually printed in the fine print that appears on your ticket. If your case is a Jones Act lawsuit, you have 3 years from the date of your injury to file your claim. The same statute of limitations is placed on lawsuits claiming unseaworthiness. In most cases, maritime lawsuits must be filed within the three year period following the injury. Consult a lawyer to make sure that you are still within the statute of limitations for your claim.

The one and only exception to statue of limitations is an extension, or laches, which are given because of the harsh conditions faced by seaman and the hectic nature of their work. Although these are sometimes granted, they should not be relied on when seeking legal action for your claim.

The best way to ensure your chance at justice is to file your claim immediately after injury. Consult an experienced lawyer to guide you through the legal process of you case. The Maritime Lawyers of Williams Kherkher are highly trained in handling maritime cases and help you get the justice you deserve.