Maritime professionals and those enjoying leisure time on maritime vessels can end up hurt due to vessel failures, inclement weather or negligent maintenance. Those dealing with the aftermath of a recent maritime incident may be able to request compensation from their employers or the company operating the vessel.
In such cases, specialized maritime injury laws apply. The average person may misunderstand maritime personal injury statutes and might overlook their eligibility for compensation in certain circumstances. What do many people get wrong about maritime personal injury laws?
Being on the open ocean isn’t always necessary
Obviously, maritime injury laws apply to vessels operating on the open ocean around the United States. Injured professionals and passengers may have grounds for litigation when something goes wrong on cruise ships or fishing vessels.
However, the scope of maritime injury laws is more expansive than people realize. These laws apply to not just the ocean but also to the navigable waterways crisscrossing the United States. From the Colorado River Basin to the many rivers where smaller vessels conduct tourist cruises, there are many inland locations around California and across the nation where professionals and passengers could sustain significant injuries while onboard a vessel.
Maritime injury laws apply to incidents on navigable waterways in addition to incidents that occur on the open ocean. State statutes may not offer protection for those hurt on navigable waterways, such as rivers, even though the incident technically occurred in a specific state.
Consulting with a maritime injury attorney can help people understand and utilize their rights after an issue on board a vessel. Even those hurt while on rivers, rather than on the ocean, may be able to take legal action.
