Find Admiralty & Maritime Attorney By L.E. Terry
An admiralty or maritime attorney specializes in the laws governing the sea, such as those regarding accidents or injuries at sea, the rights of workers on sea vessels, and shipping contracts. They may represent anyone from cruise ship passengers to ferry workers to fishermen.
History of Admiralty and Maritime Law
As sea travel is one of the oldest and most commonly used methods of transportation, maritime law has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Eleanor of Aquitaine, mother of King Richard the Lionheart, learned of it while in the eastern Mediterranean, and introduced it to England. It has since spread throughout the world, with each country creating their own version. In the United States, admiralty and maritime law is overseen by the United States District Courts, with appeals moving on to the United States Courts of Appeals. However, state courts also have jurisdiction when the case involves claims regarding state laws. The United States Supreme Court has ultimate authority over all admiralty and maritime cases.
Cases Handled by Admiralty and Maritime Attorneys
Maritime attorneys handle a wide variety of cases, including personal injury, property damage, and criminal offenses. They must understand the regulations related to these areas, in addition to the specific laws that govern the sea, and how they differ from those for land-based cases. They may also need an understanding of international law. An admiralty or maritime attorney may handle the following kinds of cases:
- Lawsuits filed by employees: Maritime attorneys may represent crew members injured by accidents at sea, including collision, fires, explosions, toxic and chemical spills, or running aground. The employees may sue because of injuries received, or failure of their employer to pay wages or medical benefits. And families may file wrongful death claims. Maritime attorneys may also represent employees who are the victims of criminal offenses, such as physical assault, sexual assault, or sexual harassment.
- Lawsuits filed by passengers: Admiralty and maritime attorneys also handle cases filed by passengers on cruise ships and luxury liners. Passengers may sue for assault by crew members, accidents occurring onboard, contaminated food that causes illness, or accidents, such as fires, capsizing, collision, flooding, and explosions.
- Offshore drilling accidents: Maritime law doesn't apply to boats alone; it also governs offshore drilling facilities, where accidents harm both people and the environment. There are two types of offshore drilling accidents: catastrophic blowouts, which occur during exploratory drilling and result in prolonged release of harmful substances; and regular blowouts, which occur during routine drilling and cause a temporary release of harmful substances that is usually quickly stopped.
Additional Legal Services:
Nationwide Find an Attorney Services:
American Bar Association
Service Center
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610
800-285-2221
Martindale-Hubbell
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
800-526-4902 ext. 8001