Mississippi Maritime and Admiralty Laws
Maritime laws in Mississippi almost always require the services of an attorney in order to get just and fair compensation in the event of an accident, disease, or death in the course of employment on or off shore.
Why? The rules of Mississippi admiralty and maritime laws are complicated. Accidents that happen on land are treated differently from those onboard ship. Who is responsible and how much is paid can be affected. If you have been injured or contracted a disease or a loved one has died as a result of working on or near the water, you need a maritime lawyer with a keen understanding and experience in admiralty and maritime law in Mississippi.
The primary statutes around Mississippi admiralty and maritime law are outlined here:
Mississippi maritime law—The Jones Act
The Jones Act may enable you to collect compensation for all expenses and losses from an accident or work-incurred disease that are caused when working on any form of watercraft, ship, submersible, offshore oil rig, or other vehicle on the water. To be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act in Mississippi, you must spend at least 30 percent of your working time at sea so you can receive the following:
- An award for pain and suffering
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of present and future wages, and benefit
While many accidents at sea happen simply due to hazardous conditions, if employer or co-worker negligence is found to be at fault, it strengthens your claim for compensation. Contact a Mississippi maritime injury lawyer today to learn more about The Jones Act.
Mississippi maritime laws—Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act is designed to bridge the gap between state worker compensation laws, which do not apply to incidents on the water, and the Jones Act. The act covers the following:
- Injuries incurred on shore and on navigable waters
- Medical expenses, rehabilitative services and lost wages
- Injuries as well as diseases contracted or made worse by employment conditions
Some workers have job descriptions and conditions that may fall under either act, which is why astute legal representation in this area is essential.
Maritime law in Mississippi—Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
Maritime and admiralty laws cover accidents such as collisions at sea or near shore. When a maritime accident of any kind at least three nautical miles from U.S. shore leads to the death of a worker, the surviving spouse or other dependent family member is entitled to recover lost future wages under DOHSA.
One call...that's all
Have you experienced a maritime injury in Mississippi? One call is all you need to handle your case concerning admiralty and maritime law in Mississippi. Call the Mississippi maritime law firm, Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A. at 1-800-844-1215, or contact us online.
