Admiralty/Maritime FAQs

• Q: What Laws Apply to the Safety of Offshore Oil and Gas Rig Workers?
  A: Oil and gas rig workers, like other maritime employees have the right to fair working conditions where appropriate safety measures are taken despite the dangerous … More
• Q: Commercial Fishing is One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in America: How does the Law Protect Workers and Their Families?
  A: The federal Jones Act may provide damages to a commercial fisherman who is hurt during the course of his employment. In order to recover damages pursuant to the Jones … More
• Q: I’m a commercial fisherman, what should I do if I’m hurt on the job?
  A: After seeking appropriate medical care, it is important to contact a maritime attorney with experience representing commercial fishermen. Your maritime attorney … More
• Q: What Rights do Pier, Dock and Harbor Workers Have to a Safe Working Environment?
  A: The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act provides protection to certain onshore maritime workers who are engaged in a dangerous profession. The … More
• Q: How are Sexual Assaults on Cruise Ships Investigated and Prosecuted?
  A: Few cruise ships have trained police officers who are able to properly investigate an alleged allegation of sexual assault. While well meaning crew members and … More
• Q: Who is responsible if a maritime employee is hurt by an Act of God?
  A: Maritime work is inherently dangerous and employees who are hurt by an Act of God may be unable to recover damages from their employer. An Act of God is usually … More
• Q: What Damages are allowed for Injuries to Maritime Employees?
  A: Many maritime employees are entitled to damages for their maintenance and cure when they are hurt during the course of their employment. Since maritime employees … More
• Q: What is a Longshoreman and how are a Longshoreman’s rights protected?
  A:   A longshoreman is a maritime employee whose job is to load and unload cargo from vessels while the vessels are in port. Longshoremen are protected by the … More
• Q: If I am hurt on a cruise, where will my lawsuit be heard?
  A:   It depends. Most cruise ship tickets contain a “choice of law” provision in small print on the ticket. That provision indicates which … More
• Q: Do I need a visa to be a professional fisherman?
  A: That depends. If you are a United States citizen and your vessel departs from and returns to a U.S. port without stopping at a foreign port then you do not need a … More
• Q: How are crimes on the high sea prosecuted?
  A: Crimes on the high seas may refer to physical crimes such as assault or rape against an individual or crimes against a vessel’s crew such as piracy. In … More